The effect of weight loss surgery on the severity of psoriasis.

Madam, Obesity is a growing problem; in 2007–2008, 68% of U.S. adults were obese or overweight [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25.0 kg m−2],1 and the prevalence of childhood obesity has more than tripled since the 1960s.2 Psoriasis is more common in overweight individuals, and increasing BMI is associated not only with greater extent of psoriasis but also with refractory disease,3 including lack of response to biological agents.4 Recent publications reporting complete remission of severe psoriasis following bariatric surgery5–7 prompted us to perform a retrospective review of our bariatric surgery population to investigate the effects of such surgery on patients with psoriasis.