In February 2020 researchers from Italy published the results of their study to assess the effectiveness of an aggressive weight-loss programme in overweight/obese individuals with chronic plaque psoriasis. A total of 37 overweight or obese individuals (30% male; average age 43 years) with stable chronic plaque psoriasis, who had never received treatment apart from the use of topical emollients, were involved in the study. Each individual underwent a very low protein, low-calorie ketogenic diet (up to 500 kcal/day; 1.2 g of protein/kg of ideal body weight/day) for a period of 4 weeks followed by a balanced, reduced calorie (25-30 kcal/kg of ideal body weight/day) Mediterranean-style diet for a period of 6 weeks. Results showed that the individuals achieved an average body weight reduction of 12%, ie an average reduction of 10.6 kg. In addition there was a significant reduction in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score. In fact 36/37 individuals achieved a reduction of over 50%, with 24/37 achieving a reduction of over 75%. There was also a significant reduction in the body surface area involved and itch severity, with a resultant improvement in the quality of life.
Castaldo G et al. Aggressive weight-loss program with a ketogenic induction phase for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis: A proof-of-concept, single-arm, open-label clinical trial. Nutrition. 2020 Feb 5;74:110757.