According to a study published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology and reported by News Medical Life Science, low-calorie diets may be linked to an increased likelihood of psoriatic arthritis.
Researchers examined the potential connections between three popular diet types — vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-calorie — and inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis and acne.

The results showed a significant correlation between low-calorie diets and a higher risk of psoriatic arthritis, while vegetarian and gluten-free diets showed no clear relationship with any inflammatory skin conditions. Researchers emphasized the need for more studies to confirm these findings.

Diet and Skin Health
Inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and atopic dermatitis (AD) are chronic diseases linked to immune dysfunction and inflammation, negatively affecting patients’ quality of life and mental health.

Although treatments have advanced, symptom recurrence remains common, prompting growing interest in lifestyle-based interventions, especially dietary changes. Popular diets such as low-calorie, vegetarian, and gluten-free regimens have gained attention for their supposed health benefits.

However, unbalanced diets may cause nutrient deficiencies that worsen skin inflammation and immune imbalance.

Key Findings
Using Mendelian randomization analysis, the study found that calorie-restricted diets were statistically associated with a higher risk of psoriatic arthritis. No significant associations were found between vegetarian or gluten-free diets and other inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, acne, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Researchers suggested that prolonged calorie restriction may lead to nutritional deficiencies that affect immune balance and inflammation, possibly explaining the increased risk.
The findings challenge the widespread belief that calorie restriction consistently reduces inflammation, underscoring the complex effects of diet on health.