Weight loss and improvements in fatigue in systemic lupus erythematosus: a controlled trial of a low glycaemic index diet versus a calorie restricted diet in patients treated with corticosteroids

Davies RJ et al. – Significant weight loss is achievable over 6 weeks in a diet–specific trial in subjects with stable systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), who are on low dose prednisolone. Both diets were equally tolerable, and did not cause flares in disease activity. The results suggest that dietary manipulation may significantly improve fatigue in subjects with SLE.

Methods

• A total of 23 women were enrolled in a 6 week study.
• All had mild, stable SLE, were receiving corticosteroids and had a body mass index > 25 kg/m².
• Subjects were randomly assigned to a low glycaemic index (Low GI) diet or a calorie restricted (Low Cal) diet.
• The primary end point was weight loss.
• Secondary end points included tolerability of diet, bio–markers of cardiovascular risk, disease activity, fatigue and sleep quality.

Results

• Weight loss in both treatment groups was significant (mean ± SD: Low GI diet 3.9 ± 0.9 kg; Low Cal diet 2.4 ± 2.2 kg, p < 0.01 from baseline in each group).
• There were also significant improvements in waist and hip measurements.
• However, the difference in weight loss and waist and hip measurements between the two diet groups was not statistically significant.
• There was a statistically significant reduction in Fatigue Severity Scale in both diet groups, (p < 0.03).
• Both Low GI and Low Cal diets were well tolerated, resulting in no serious adverse effects or increase in disease activity.

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