Evaluating the Body Roundness Index as a Novel Digital Biomarker for Psoriasis Risk Prediction: Cross-Sectional Study

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that has been increasingly linked to metabolic imbalances, particularly obesity. Conventional anthropometric indicators such as BMI and waist circumference (WC) may not sufficiently capture body fat distribution or reflect metabolic risk. The body roundness index (BRI), which integrates both height and waist measurements, has emerged as a potentially superior metric, though its relevance to psoriasis risk remains underexplored.

This study aimed to investigate the use of BRI as a digital biomarker for assessing psoriasis risk and to compare its predictive strength against BMI and WC across various demographic and metabolic subgroups using data from a nationally representative sample.

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from 13,798 adults aged 20 to 59 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2003 and 2006 as well as between 2009 and 2014. Psoriasis status was self-reported. Anthropometric measures (BRI, BMI, and WC) were calculated from standardized physical assessments. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to examine associations while adjusting for demographic, metabolic, and lifestyle variables. A nomogram was constructed to quantify the relative predictive contributions of each metric.

BRI exhibited a strong linear association with psoriasis risk (odds ratio [OR] 1.11 per unit increase, 95% CI 1.05-1.17; P<.001), outperforming BMI (OR 1.03) and WC (OR 1.01). Tertile analysis revealed a 1.73-fold increased risk of psoriasis in the highest BRI group (P=.003). Subgroup analyses confirmed consistent associations across age, sex, race or ethnicity, and metabolic status (P for interaction >.05). The nomogram highlighted BRI as the most influential predictor, indicated by its broad scoring range.

BRI shows stronger and more consistent associations with psoriasis risk than BMI or WC, supporting its potential role as a digital biomarker for early risk stratification. Incorporating BRI into clinical decision-making tools may enhance personalized approaches to psoriasis prevention and management.