Erectile dysfunction and metabolic syndrome components in obese men with psoriasis: response to a 12-week randomized controlled lifestyle modification program (exercise with diet restriction).

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction (ED) and metabolic syndrome (MeTS) are highly prevalent in chronic plaque psoriasis (CPP).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this lifestyle modification study is to explore the response of MeTS components and ED to a 12-week lifestyle modification program (low-calorie diet and moderate-intensity treadmill walking) in 60 obese men with CPP, mild and moderate ED, and MeTS.

THE DESIGN, SETTINGS, PARTICIPANTS, AND INTERVENTION: In this lifestyle modification randomized study, a university-based hospital recruitment of 60 obese men with CPP, mild and moderate ED, and MeTS was randomly performed. Men were randomly assigned to the lifestyle modification group (n = 30, received low-calorie diet and moderate-intensity treadmill walking programs) or waitlist group (n = 30). The following outcomes were assessed as follows: body mass index, psoriasis severity (assessed via psoriasis area and severity index), ED (assessed by the five-item internal index of erectile function), and components of MeTS (waist circumference, blood pressure, serum high-density lipoprotein, serum triglycerides, and serum fasting blood glucose).

RESULTS: Trends of significant improvements in all outcomes were documented in favor of the lifestyle modification group. All outcomes of the waitlist group did not show the same reported significant improvements of the lifestyle modification group.

CONCLUSION: A 12-week lifestyle modification program as a tool for weight loss in obese men with CPP is a good therapeutic method to improve psoriasis severity and psoriasis-associated ED and MeTS.