Weight Loss Reduces Severity of Psoriasis

A new study found that long-term weight loss reduces the severity of psoriasis.

The study included 56 participants, 32 of them completed the study. Participants were divided in a randomized trial between a control group and a low-energy diet group. Researchers followed participations for 64 weeks. Participants in the low-energy diet group completed a 16-week randomized phase with an 8-week low-energy diet, an 8-week normal food intake and 2 low-energy products per day diet. This was followed by a 48-week weight maintenance diet of the normal food combined with 2 low-energy products per day. The controlled group received the same 8-week low-energy diet and 8-week combined low-energy and normal food diet after the 16-week randomized phase. All patients followed the same 48-week weight maintenance program.
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The results of the diet programs were measured using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index.

The average weight lost after 16 weeks was 15.0 kilograms, and the Psoriasis and Area Severity Index was reduced by -2.3 and Dermatology Life Quality Index was reduced by -2.3. After 64 weeks, the weight loss was 10.1 kilograms, and the Psoriasis and Area Severity Index was at -2.9 and Dermatology Life Quality Index was at -1.9.

Overall, the results demonstrated that weight loss reduced the severity of psoriasis and has long term positive effects on patients.

—Melissa Weiss

Reference:

Jensen P, Christensen R, Zachariae C, et al. Long-term effects of weight reduction on the severity of psoriasis in a cohort derived from a randomized trial: a prospective observational follow-up study [published online June 22, 2016]. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. doi: 10.3945/​ajcn.115.125849.