Psoriasis Through the Metabolic‐Inflammatory Axis: A Review of GLP‐1 Agonists

Background Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that frequently coexists with metabolic disorders, including obesity and insulin resistance. In recent years, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonists have become increasingly prevalent. An American Medical Association analysis of national claims data reported a greater than 500% increase in spending on GLP‐1 medications between 2018 and 2023, from $13.7 billion to $71.7 billion, demonstrating the rapidly increasing demand for these therapies. As research continues to expand the potential applications of GLP‐1 agonists beyond diabetes and weight management, their role in inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis warrants further investigation. Aims This literature review aims to evaluate the potential indications and therapeutic effects of GLP‐1 receptor agonists in the management of psoriasis, with particular attention to patients with coexisting metabolic disorders. Materials and Methods A literature review was conducted to identify scholarly sources published between 2000 and 2026 that examined the use of GLP‐1 receptor agonists in psoriasis management. Search terms included combinations of “psoriasis,” “psoriatic,” “GLP‐1,” “semaglutide,” and “inflammatory axis.” Studies involving animal models or non‐English‐speaking participants were excluded. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, case reports and reviews, and cohort studies. Included studies were synthesized and evaluated based on study design, intervention, validity, safety outcomes, clinical indications, and participant‐reported outcomes. Results The reviewed literature demonstrated an overall association between GLP‐1 receptor agonist use and improved psoriasis outcomes. Positive effects on psoriasis severity were particularly evident among patients with coexisting metabolic conditions, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Across the reviewed studies, GLP‐1 agonists were associated with improvements in measures of psoriatic disease severity, suggesting a potential therapeutic role beyond their established metabolic indications. Discussion The findings suggest that GLP‐1 receptor agonists may have therapeutic potential in psoriasis, particularly among patients with metabolic comorbidities. The observed improvements may reflect the relationship between metabolic dysfunction and systemic inflammation in psoriasis. As GLP‐1 agonists continue to be investigated across metabolic, cardiovascular, and renal conditions, their potential effects on inflammatory pathways may provide an additional mechanism for their use in patients with psoriasis. However, differences in study design, patient populations, and outcome measures across the available literature highlight the need for further clinical investigation. Discussion The findings suggest that GLP‐1 receptor agonists may have therapeutic potential in psoriasis, particularly among patients with metabolic comorbidities. The observed improvements may reflect the relationship between metabolic dysfunction and systemic inflammation in psoriasis. As GLP‐1 agonists continue to be investigated across metabolic, cardiovascular, and renal conditions, their potential effects on inflammatory pathways may provide an additional mechanism for their use in patients with psoriasis. However, differences in study design, patient populations, and outcome measures across the available literature highlight the need for further clinical investigation. Conclusion Current evidence demonstrates a strong association between GLP‐1 receptor agonist use and improvement in psoriatic symptoms, particularly among patients with coexisting obesity, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes. Further research, including larger and well‐controlled clinical studies, is needed to establish the efficacy, safety, and appropriate clinical indications of GLP‐1 agonists for psoriasis management.