Those who suffer from the skin condition psoriasis may be at greater risk of obesity, according to new findings.

A Taiwanese study found that the hormone leptin – which helps regulate body weight and food intake – is present at higher levels in psoriasis suffers.

This not only makes them more likely to become obese, but also more likely to develop high blood pressure and diabetes – both risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

As part of the study, the team analyzed various health markers among a group with psoriasis, comparing them with those affecting a control group. They found that the first group had twice the rate of obesity and high blood pressure.

“Body weight loss has been reported to significantly decrease leptin levels and improve insulin sensitivity and may reduce the likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome and adverse cardiovascular diseases,” the researchers wrote.

They suggested that reducing body weight could be one way of treating psoriasis.

For people who are looking to maintain healthy skin, nutritional supplements containing vitamins E, A and B may be one way to achieve this aim.