Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that afflicts at least 60 million individuals globally. Nearly 80% of these affected people also tend to be either overweight or obese. Excess weight has been a known risk factor for psoriasis development, but until now, no rigorous scientific data existed on how the quality of life of patients and the disease severity are impacted when interventions to reduce weight are instituted for psoriatic patients.
Now a meta-analysis and systematic review conducted in the UK has established that patients with psoriasis register notable improvements in their quality of life and the severity of the condition reduces when these patients undertake either lifestyle or pharmacological measures aimed at reducing their weight.
The study team analyzed 13 trials that were randomized controlled clinical trials, and they also examined 14 comparison trials. The researchers wanted to establish what impact different interventions to reduce weight had on the severity of psoriasis and the quality of life of the patients participating in the studies being reviewed. The interventions in the studies analyzed ranged from dietary modification, physical activity, while a trio of studies focused on pharmacological approaches to weight management.
The researchers found that the more weight that a patient lost, the higher the improvements they registered in their quality of life. These patients also had clinically significant improvements on metrics tracking the severity of psoriasis.
Notably, the patients who experienced weight loss while undergoing psoriasis treatment revealed that the quality of life benefits, together with reductions in the severity of psoriasis, motivated them to sustain their weight loss efforts despite the challenges that usually come with such interventions.
The study team rated the evidence of the beneficial effects of weight loss interventions as high given the consistency with which standardized quality of life scores and scores for disease severity changed as a result of interventions geared at reducing the weight of patients suffering from psoriasis.
The research makes a strong case for making weight-loss intervention an integral part of the care given to patients living with psoriasis. The team notes that both pharmacological as well as lifestyle-based interventions all bring beneficial effects, so treatment teams can consider which approach to recommend to patients on a case-by-case basis.
As the value of including weight-loss intervention in psoriasis management comes to the spotlight, a number of firms like Soligenix Inc. (NASDAQ: SNGX) are also making progress in their efforts to develop new therapies indicated for psoriasis. A time is therefore coming when people living with this chronic condition can have access to treatments with greater efficacy than the options currently available.
About BioMedWire
BioMedWire (“BMW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on the latest developments in the Biotechnology (BioTech), Biomedical Sciences (BioMed) and Life Sciences sectors. It is one of 75+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, BMW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, BMW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness.
BMW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.
To receive SMS alerts from BioMedWire, “Biotech” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.BioMedWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the BioMedWire website applicable to all content provided by BMW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.BioMedWire.com/Disclaimer
BioMedWire
San Francisco, CA
www.BioMedWire.com
415.949.5050 Office
Editor@BioMedWire.com
BioMedWire is powered by IBN
