Weight-loss interventions and psoriasis – findings published from recent review

Dr Sarah Morrow, DPhil candidate at the University of Oxford, has shared her findings from a recent review into the impact of weight loss interventions on the severity of psoriasis.

The review looked at existing research studies that randomly assigned participants into groups, comparing weight management support with standard psoriasis care.

When looking at research participants that had psoriasis and were offered weight management support, it was found that:

• More weight was lost – around 7kg more than those that were not offered weight management support.
• Skin improved more – participants were more likely to achieve a 75% reduction in their psoriasis severity (according to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, PASI) if they were offered weight management support.
• Improved wellbeing – when asked to complete a short questionnaire for the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), participants with psoriasis that were offered weight management support reported better day-to-day wellbeing.

What happens next?

The review concluded that adding weight-loss support to usual medical care is likely to help many people with psoriasis. Patient advisors that supported the review explained that these results match their experience and would encourage them to try a supported programme.

These findings were accepted for publication in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (JEADV), and Dr Morrow is now working with patients and healthcare professionals to build weight-management support into routine psoriasis care.