Global Prevalence of Obesity in Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis in the Past Four Decades: An Analysis of Trends From 1984 to 2024

BACKGROUND: Although the risk of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and obesity comorbidities is increasing, only a few systematic global prevalence studies have been conducted. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the global prevalence of obesity, abdominal obesity, and being overweight in patients with PsA. METHODS: We examined eight databases from their inception to November 20, 2024. The R language was used for the data analysis. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were used to evaluate the heterogeneity of the pooled studies. Funnel plots and Egger's tests were used to assess publication bias in the included studies, and the trim-and-fill method was used to correct for bias. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies were included. The overall prevalence of obesity in patients with PsA was 35% (95% CI, 0.30 to 0.40). The prevalence of obesity in adults with PsA was 35% (95% CI, 0.28 to 0.42), and it was 27% (95% CI, 0.11 to 0.46) in children and adolescents. Africa had the highest prevalence (57%; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.69). In contrast, the prevalence was the lowest in Europe at 31% (95% CI, 0.25 to 0.38). In terms of countries, China had the highest prevalence (65%), followed by Egypt (57%) and Norway (55%). The lowest prevalence was observed in the United States (20%). CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirm the association between obesity and PsA. Considering the negative impact of obesity on PsA treatment, the early detection and management of obesity should be prioritized. Further population-based prospective observational studies are required to clarify the mechanisms underlying the coexistence of obesity in patients with PsA.