Key clinical point: A structured 12-month weight-loss treatment with very low energy diet (VLED) showed positive effects on body weight and physical fitness without affecting the muscle strength in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and obesity.
Major finding: At month 12, the median weight loss was 16.1 kg in patients with PsA and obesity and 16.6 kg in control individuals with obesity. At month 6, the muscle strength of the lower extremities and physical functioning improved in patients with PsA and control individuals (all P < .001), which were maintained till month 12 (all P < .01). The hand-grip strength remained unchanged in both the groups.
Study details: The findings are a secondary analysis of a prospective open intervention study including 46 patients with PsA and body mass index of ≥33 kg/m 2 and 52 matched control individuals with obesity, all of whom received weight-loss treatment with VLED.
Disclosures: This study was supported by the Swedish state, Health and Medical Care Executive Board of the Västra Götaland, and other sources. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
Source: Bilberg A et al. The impact of a structured weight-loss treatment on physical fitness in patients with psoriatic arthritis and obesity compared to matched controls: a prospective interventional study. Clin Rheumatol. 2022 (Jun 1). Doi: 10.1007/s10067-022-06164-5