Figure 2.

Genetic and environmental factors predispose to psoriasis and obesity. Obesity is a risk factor for both psoriasis and metabolic syndrome. However, inflammation associated with moderate to severe psoriasis can in turn favor insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hence directly and/or indirectly fuelling atherosclerosis, and configuring the so-called “psoriatic march”. Ultimately, moderate to severe psoriasis directly and indirectly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. Psoriasis also precedes the development of psoriatic arthritis.