Psoriasis scales transforming into butterflies

Psoriasis and Eating Disorders: Unpacking the Hidden Connection

Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Is there a link between Psoriasis, Metabolic Syndrome, and Disordered Eating? A preliminary study explores the often-overlooked connection and its impact on overall health."

Psoriasis is more than just a skin condition; it's a complex inflammatory disease with far-reaching effects. While joint pain and depression are well-known companions, research is increasingly uncovering links between psoriasis, metabolic syndrome (MBS), and eating disorders (EDs). Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions—increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels—that together raise your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

The connection between psoriasis and MBS is believed to stem from shared inflammatory pathways. But what about eating disorders? Given the psychological impact of psoriasis and the potential for disordered eating to affect metabolic health, researchers have begun to investigate whether these conditions might also be intertwined. This article delves into a preliminary study that explores the potential link between psoriasis, metabolic syndrome, and eating disorders, shedding light on an often-overlooked aspect of psoriasis management.

Understanding these connections is crucial for people with psoriasis. By addressing potential eating disorders, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their overall health and potentially improve their psoriasis symptoms. This is especially important for younger individuals in order to have a higher quality of life.

The Psoriasis, MBS, and Eating Disorder Connection: Key Findings

Psoriasis scales transforming into butterflies

A 2011 study published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology sought to determine whether eating disorders are more prevalent in psoriasis patients who also have metabolic syndrome. The study involved 100 psoriasis patients, assessing them for MBS based on International Diabetes Foundation criteria (IDF). Researchers also used the Eating Attitude Test (EAT), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), alongside psychiatric interviews, to evaluate eating disorder tendencies, depression, and anxiety.

The study revealed that 31% of psoriasis patients met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. Of those with MBS, a notable 12.9% also exhibited signs of an eating disorder. In contrast, only 4.3% of patients without MBS showed indications of an eating disorder. Statistical analysis further revealed a significant difference in mean EAT scores between the groups, suggesting a potential link between MBS and disordered eating in psoriasis patients. The study also noted that anxiety levels were significantly higher in psoriasis patients with eating disorders.

Here's a summary of the core findings:

A significant percentage of psoriasis patients also have metabolic syndrome (31%).
Eating disorder tendencies are more common in psoriasis patients with metabolic syndrome (12.9% vs 4.3%).
Anxiety levels are significantly higher in psoriasis patients with eating disorders.

These findings suggest that eating disorders may play a role in the development or exacerbation of metabolic syndrome in individuals with psoriasis. While the study is preliminary and requires further investigation with larger sample sizes, it highlights the importance of considering eating habits and mental health when managing psoriasis.

Taking Control: What This Means for Psoriasis Management

If you have psoriasis, it's essential to be aware of the potential links to metabolic syndrome and eating disorders. While more research is needed, this study underscores the importance of a holistic approach to psoriasis management. This means considering not only skin symptoms but also mental health and eating habits. If you're concerned about your eating behaviors or suspect you may have an eating disorder, talk to your doctor or a qualified mental health professional. Addressing these issues can improve your overall health and may have a positive impact on your psoriasis.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.2147/ccid.s24165, Alternate LINK

Title: Do Eating Disorders Accompany Metabolic Syndrome In Psoriasis Patients? Results Of A Preliminary Study

Subject: Dermatology

Journal: Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Ilknur Altunay, Tukenmez Demirci, Ates, Kucukunal, Yılmaz, Karamustafalioglu, Altuntas

Published: 2011-08-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is the connection between psoriasis, metabolic syndrome, and eating disorders?

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Research indicates potential links between psoriasis, metabolic syndrome, and eating disorders. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels, collectively increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Eating disorders are characterized by disturbed eating habits and can be influenced by the psychological impact of psoriasis.

What assessment tools were used to determine the prevalence of eating disorders in psoriasis patients with metabolic syndrome?

The 2011 study mentioned used the Eating Attitude Test (EAT), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), along with psychiatric interviews, to assess eating disorder tendencies, depression, and anxiety in psoriasis patients. These tools helped researchers evaluate the psychological and behavioral aspects of eating disorders in relation to psoriasis and metabolic syndrome. The International Diabetes Federation criteria (IDF) was used to assess Metabolic Syndrome.

What were the key findings of the study regarding psoriasis, metabolic syndrome, and eating disorders?

The study showed that 31% of psoriasis patients also had metabolic syndrome. Among those with metabolic syndrome, 12.9% exhibited signs of an eating disorder, compared to only 4.3% of those without metabolic syndrome. Anxiety levels were also significantly higher in psoriasis patients with eating disorders. This suggests a potential connection between psoriasis, metabolic syndrome, and disordered eating habits.

What steps should individuals with psoriasis take to manage their health in light of the potential links to metabolic syndrome and eating disorders?

If you have psoriasis, it's important to consider a holistic approach to your health. This includes being aware of the potential links to metabolic syndrome and eating disorders. If you are concerned about your eating behaviors, consult your doctor or a qualified mental health professional. Addressing these issues can improve your overall health and may positively impact your psoriasis symptoms. This proactive approach is especially crucial for younger individuals to ensure a higher quality of life.

What are the broader implications of the study's findings for the management of psoriasis and related conditions?

The study highlights the importance of considering mental health and eating habits when managing psoriasis, particularly given the links to metabolic syndrome. It suggests that addressing eating disorders may play a role in the development or exacerbation of metabolic syndrome in individuals with psoriasis. While more research is needed with larger sample sizes, these findings emphasize that managing psoriasis effectively involves a comprehensive approach that goes beyond treating skin symptoms alone. Further research could explore specific interventions that target both the physical and psychological aspects of these interconnected conditions.