Weight Loss Improves Skin Outcomes in Psoriasis Save

A recent presentation at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) meeting in Copenhagen showed the long-term outcomes of weight loss in psoriasis.

Jensen et al reported results of a prospective 64-week observational study of 60 obese patients with a mean PASI score of 5.4 and a body mass index of 34.4 kg/m2. Patients were randomized to dietary intervention or given general advice to eat healthy foods. The diet consisted of 8 weeks of a low-energy liquid (fortified drinks and soups) diet (800-1,000 kcal) followed by 8 weeks in which regular foods were reintroduced at 1,200 kcal/day.

These authors previously reported their 16 week results (JAMA Dermatol. 2013 Jul;149[7]:795-801) that showed the diet group had lost an average of 15.4 kg more body weight and mean PASI valued dropped by 2.0 points as well.

In the observational follow-up study, the original control group was offered the opportunity to participate in the 16-week weight loss intervention. All patients were then prospectively followed for 48 weeks after completing the dietary intervention. Psoriasis medications weren’t changed during the study period.

The full 64 week study was completed by 32 of the original 60 patient. Weight gain was noted among the completers, however, at 64 weeks, patients still maintained a mean 10-kg weight loss, or two-thirds of the weight loss achieved during the 16-week dietary intervention. Moreover, patients maintained a clinically important improval in PASI scores (a mean 3-point reduction).