The Relationship between Eating Styles and the Severity of Psoriasis: A Cross-Sectional Study in Thailand

Abstract

Background. Psoriasis, a persistent inflammatory condition, is linked to several concurrent health issues. Among these, obesity stands out as a significant contributing factor, significantly influencing the development and seriousness of psoriasis. Furthermore, behavioral elements such as eating styles could potentially contribute to the activity of the disease. Objective. To investigate the relationships between eating styles and the clinical severity of psoriasis. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study among 158 chronic plaque psoriasis patients was conducted. Sociodemographic data and clinical presentation of psoriasis including risk factors and treatment, eating, stress, and sleep data were obtained from questionnaires. Psoriasis disease severity, weight, and height measurements, including bioelectrical impedance analysis were assessed. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to assess eating patterns and identify notable factors linked to the severity of the disease. Results. After adjusting for the potential confounder, the emotional eating style was significantly associated with an increase in risk of psoriasis severity when compared to the restrained eating style (odds ratio, 3.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.52-9.81). Body mass index, body fat mass, eating attitude, alcohol consumption, nail involvement, psoriasis treatment, smoking status, duration of sleep, and stress status were not significant risk factors for disease severity. Conclusions. There is a significant correlation between emotional eating style and the severity of chronic plaque-type psoriasis in Asian patients. Further exploration into utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy to address emotional eating styles as part of psoriasis management is warranted.