Study Shows Benefits of Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet for Psoriatic Arthritis Patients

A recent study presented at the 2024 European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) has shown promising results for patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who followed a very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD). The study included 20 patients who were moderately overweight or had first-degree obesity, and the results were nothing short of impressive.

Over the course of the 9-week diet intervention, patients saw improvements in skin and joint disease activity, a significant reduction in weight, and positive changes in their lipid profile. Not only was the diet effective, but it was also well-tolerated by the participants.

The study, which was a randomized, open-label, controlled crossover trial, divided patients into two groups: one following the VLCKD and the other following a Mediterranean diet. After 8 weeks on one diet, the patients switched to the other for an additional 8 weeks. The group on the VLCKD reported substantial decreases in inflammatory markers and disease activity scores.

Interestingly, patients with higher disease activity at the start of the study had more modest results in terms of weight loss. However, overall, all patients experienced a significant reduction in weight and improvements in pain, working ability, and disease activity by the end of the intervention period.

The findings from this study suggest that a VLCKD could be a promising intervention for overweight patients with PsA. Further research is needed to confirm these results, but the initial data is certainly encouraging for those looking for alternative treatments for this chronic condition.