Mediterranean Diet Eases Psoriasis Severity Independent of Weight Loss: JAMA
Researchers have found in a new randomized trial that adherence to a Mediterranean diet significantly reduced psoriasis severity in patients with mild to moderate disease on stable topical therapy, likely through anti-inflammatory metabolic and molecular pathways, without requiring weight loss.
The findings, published in JAMA Dermatology by Kamal Kant Kohli and colleagues, highlight the role of diet as a therapeutic adjunct for managing chronic skin disease. Psoriasis has long been associated with systemic inflammation, and this study underscores how dietary interventions can target inflammatory mechanisms beyond conventional topical or systemic treatments. The results bring nutrition into focus as an accessible, non-pharmacological option that could complement established therapies and improve patient quality of life.
The trial investigated whether following a Mediterranean diet — rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and healthy fats such as olive oil — could improve clinical outcomes for psoriasis patients independent of weight loss. Researchers observed significant reductions in disease severity, suggesting that benefits stemmed from the diet’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
These properties are thought to modulate immune responses and reduce systemic inflammation, which play critical roles in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Importantly, patients maintained their usual topical treatments, meaning improvements were not confounded by changes in medication. By isolating diet as the main variable, the study provides strong evidence that lifestyle modifications can directly influence disease outcomes.
The authors conclude that encouraging psoriasis patients to adopt a Mediterranean dietary pattern could become an effective part of clinical care. Given its additional cardiovascular and metabolic benefits, the diet offers a holistic approach that addresses comorbidities often present in psoriasis patients, such as metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.
The findings support broader integration of dietary counselling in dermatological practice and open new avenues for research on diet–disease interactions. The study positions the Mediterranean diet not only as a lifestyle choice but also as a targeted strategy for reducing disease burden in chronic inflammatory conditions.
Reference: Kohli KK, et al. Mediterranean diet and psoriasis severity: randomized clinical trial. JAMA Dermatol. 2025. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.3449
