Psoriasis and Weight Loss: What’s the Connection?

If you’re living with psoriasis and carrying extra weight, you’re not alone. 

Psoriasis isn’t just a skin condition. It’s tied to your body’s overall health, including inflammation and metabolism. While weight loss is suggested to improve psoriasis symptoms, we know it’s not always straightforward.

Carrying extra weight may lead to inflammation, which may make your psoriasis symptoms more difficult to manage. The good news is that small sustainable changes, such as focusing on whole foods and limiting processed foods, may improve your overall health and skin. 

In this article, we’ll explore how weight and psoriasis are connected, inflammation, and healthier food options.  

Does Weight Impact Psoriasis? 

Research suggests there is a connection between weight and psoriasis. Inflammation is a key factor in both conditions, and studies have shown that reducing weight may help lower inflammation and improve skin symptoms for some individuals.

A 2014 study had 303 participants with psoriasis and higher body weights. Those who followed a 20-week nutrition and exercise program saw nearly double the improvement in their Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores compared to those who didn’t change their eating habits. 

Another study in that same year focused on people undergoing biologic therapy. After 24 weeks, the individuals who followed the dietary intervention experienced significantly greater weight loss and PASI improvement than those who didn’t.

Similar findings are echoed in studies involving online weight-loss coaching, bariatric surgery, and systematic reviews. 

How Weight Loss Can Improve Psoriasis 

Although the exact mechanism isn't fully understood, experts believe that reducing inflammation through weight loss can play an important role in improving psoriasis.

Here are several ways weight loss may help psoriasis. 

Reduced systemic inflammation

Psoriasis and obesity share a common link: chronic inflammation. Excess fat tissue produces inflammatory molecules that can affect the immune system and worsen psoriasis flare-ups. 

Losing excess weight may decrease inflammatory markers, helping to calm the immune system and reduce psoriasis symptoms. 

Better response to psoriasis treatments

Weight loss may also help your body respond more effectively to psoriasis treatment. 

In a 2023 study, participants reduced their intake of saturated fatty acids while continuing their psoriasis treatment. The participants saw a great reduction in the severity of their psoriasis.

Improvements in related conditions

Psoriasis is often associated with other health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. These conditions are also linked to excess weight. 

Losing weight can help manage or even reverse these conditions.

Healthy ways to lose weight with psoriasis

If you are living with both psoriasis and excess weight, making gradual, sustainable lifestyle changes may offer several benefits for your overall well-being and skin health. 

Here are some steps you can start to take: 

• Focus on anti-inflammatory foods: Emphasize whole foods such as leafy greens, berries, fatty fish (like salmon and sardines), nuts, seeds, and whole grains. 
• Avoid highly processed and pro-inflammatory foods: Limit your intake of sugar, refined carbs, red and processed meats, and foods high in saturated fats. Some people also find that cutting back on alcohol, dairy, or gluten helps, although individual triggers can vary.
• Exercise regularly, but gently: Physical activity helps burn calories and reduce inflammation, but it's important to choose exercises that feel good for your body. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, yoga, or cycling can support weight loss without irritating sensitive skin or joints.
• Stay hydrated and get enough sleep: Proper hydration and good sleep hygiene are often overlooked, but play a key role in weight management and skin health. 
• Manage stress: Stress is a known trigger for psoriasis and can also lead to emotional eating or disrupted routines. Mind-body practices like meditation, deep breathing, or journaling can support both your mental health and your weight-loss efforts.
• Work with your healthcare provider: Before starting any weight-loss plan, consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to ensure a safe and effective approach.

Foods that help with psoriasis

Certain foods can help reduce overall inflammation, which may have a positive effect on your psoriasis.

• Fatty fish: Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Colorful fruits and vegetables: Berries, spinach, kale, carrots, and many other fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants and vitamins like A, C, and E that support skin health.
• Whole grains: Quinoa, brown rice, and oats provide fiber and nutrients without spiking blood sugar, which may worsen  inflammation.
• Nuts and seeds: Flaxseeds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds are excellent sources of healthy fats, zinc, and selenium, all of which are beneficial for the skin.
• Olive oil and avocados: These healthy fats provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and can help calm inflammation.
• Green tea: Green tea contains polyphenols, which may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
• Legumes and beans: Legumes and beans  are high in fiber and are plant-based proteins, which may help balance blood sugar and reduce inflammatory triggers.

Foods to avoid

Consuming inflammatory foods on a regular basis increases inflammation and promotes weight gain. 

Here are some foods to limit:

• Highly processed foods: Chips, fast food, and frozen dinners are often high in sugar, sodium, and trans fats.
• Sugary snacks and drinks: Excess sugar can trigger inflammation.
• Red and processed meats: Sausages, bacon, and deli meats may contain inflammatory compounds.
• Refined carbohydrates: White bread, pastries, and sugary cereals can spike blood sugar and promote inflammation.
• Dairy and gluten: Some people report symptom relief when reducing or eliminating dairy and gluten, though evidence is mixed.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can trigger flare-ups and interfere with some psoriasis medications.

Consulting with your doctor for weight loss and psoriasis

If you’re thinking about making changes to your weight to help manage psoriasis, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They can help you create a plan that is  safe, realistic, and tailored to your individual needs.

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own and you shouldn’t have to.

Conclusion / CTA

While there is no one-size-fits-all cure for psoriasis, research increasingly suggests that weight management can play a role in reducing symptom severity, enhancing treatment response, and improving overall health. 

If you're living with psoriasis and struggling with weight, you're not alone. Book a next-day appointment with a Zest healthcare professional and get started on your journey to better overall health and improved psoriasis.