Experts are calling for weight-loss interventions to be integrated into standard psoriasis care, a recommendation spurred by a landmark research paper. The review, which analyzed data from approximately 1,000 patients across 14 studies, was conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford. Their findings indicate that weight loss can significantly improve the quality of life for psoriasis sufferers and reduce the severity of symptoms. The study also noted that greater weight loss generally correlated with more substantial improvements in psoriasis, and patients with more severe initial conditions often experienced larger benefits.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes itchy, sore patches on the body when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, often triggered by minor infections or injuries. While it commonly affects young adults, it can manifest unexpectedly at any age. Research suggests that a significant portion of psoriasis sufferers, estimated at 80 percent, are overweight or obese.
"We know that fat tissue is inflammatory," explained Dr. Sarah Morrow, a dermatologist at the University of Oxford. "It produces chemicals that promote inflammation – the body’s response to injury or illness. These chemicals circulate in the bloodstream and can affect many organs, including the skin. Reducing excess weight may lower this background inflammation and help calm the overactive immune response of psoriasis."
Current treatments for psoriasis include topical creams and ointments, injected medications to suppress the immune response, and phototherapy using UV rays. However, Dr. Morrow emphasizes that patients who are overweight should also be informed about the potential benefits of losing weight. "All patients with psoriasis who are also overweight need to be informed of the impact excess weight can have," she stated. "They need to have access to weight-loss programs, alongside medications."
While there is no single "magic" weight-loss plan, Dr. Morrow advises that a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise can lead to symptom improvement. Some research has also pointed to the Mediterranean diet as potentially beneficial. A 2025 study found that half of participants who followed this plant-based diet, rich in healthy fats and whole grains, for 16 weeks experienced a 75 percent reduction in symptoms. "Certain patients do record that the Mediterranean diet is helpful for them," Dr. Morrow commented, adding that more research is needed to confirm if anti-inflammatory foods offer benefits beyond those derived from weight loss.
Recent studies also suggest that weight-loss injections may offer a new avenue for psoriasis treatment. A study involving tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, found that one-third of patients taking it alongside the immune-boosting drug ixekizumab (Taltz) achieved complete skin clearance. "These injections are one of the best ways for patients to lose weight currently," said Dr. Morrow. "However, we do not know yet whether they have an additional effect on psoriasis sufferers because of their anti-inflammatory effect. So patients should talk to a healthcare professional about the best weight management solution for them in the long term."
Janine Price, a 50-year-old mother of two, shared her personal experience of suffering from psoriasis for two decades. Her condition began during pregnancy, manifesting as severe scalp issues and spreading to her face and joints, leading to psoriatic arthritis. After trying various treatments without lasting success, Price adopted a lifestyle focused on diet and exercise. She reduced processed foods and sugar intake, increased fruit and vegetable consumption, and incorporated an aloe vera drink into her morning routine. She also began practicing yoga and running, eventually competing in half marathons. This approach resulted in a 42-pound weight loss, a change from a size 10 to a size 6, and a significant improvement in her skin condition. "Within months of becoming more active, I noticed an improvement in my skin and, following the program over a decade, I have transformed my life," Price said.