Ep. 262 "Finding My Path to Managing Psoriatic Disease and Excess Weight"

Dermatologist Dr. Erin Boh and patient advocate Brian Lehrschall discuss the challenge of managing weight, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis which share common inflammatory pathways and what can be done to improve all together.  

Join moderator Jennifer Bomberger as she asks what is the connection between psoriatic disease and excess weight and what can be done to counter the effects of inflammatory cytokines for both with leading dermatologist Dr. Erin Boh and Brian Lehrschall who has lost over 100 pounds using diet, exercise and a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Hear Brian’s story along with what is a GLP-1, how they work, and side effects. 

The intent of this episode is to offer knowledge and an example of how a GLP-1 can be used successfully to improve the outcomes and management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

This episode is sponsored by Lilly.

A Word of Warning

This episode contains information about the body, like body size, weight management, healthy eating, and lifestyle changes. If you have a history of disordered eating or are struggling with body-related mental health challenges, you might wish to explore some of our other helpful tools.

There are clinical terms used by our speakers about body size or body weight that you might find triggering. Key among them is the word ‘obesity.’ While it is the scientifically correct name for a disease and a common clinical term, NPF acknowledges that this word is triggering and problematic, and it is used only for the clearest of accuracy.

Timestamps:

(0:23) Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered and guest welcome dermatologist Dr. Erin Boh and Brian Lehrschall, who has been living with psoriatic disease for over 30 years and has recently lost over 100 pounds. 

(1:32) Health challenges Brian faced while trying to manage his weight, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis.

(4:08)   Many factors contribute to psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and comorbidities.

(5:56) Discussing the sensitive subject of losing weight and changing lifestyle.

(7:57) The inflammatory pathways and connection between excess weight and psoriatic disease.

(14:50) Tips for managing multiple diseases like psoriatic disease, depression, and excess weight together.  Realize “it’s not your fault”.

(21:32) Are low calorie or anti-inflammatory diets effective with psoriasis?

(25:21) The definition of a GLP-1 (receptor agonist), how they work, and benefits in resetting how the body functions.

(30:02) Brian’s experience and impact of using a GLP-1.

(32:08) Current and future use of GLP-1 in the management of psoriatic disease, comorbidities, and excess weight.

(34:49) Be an advocate for yourself to help do all the things that will make you feel better about living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Key Takeaways:

·       Obesity or excess weight is a disease driven by an overproduction of inflammatory cytokines.

·       Psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and excess weight have shared pro-inflammatory disease pathways that should be considered together when identifying an effective treatment plan.

·       GLP-1 receptor agonists can be used along with dietary changes and exercise to induce weight loss that improves the body’s reaction to medications used to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Guest Bios:  

Erin Boh, M.D., Ph.D. is the Joseph Chastain Endowed Chair of Clinical Dermatology at Tulane University, School of Medicine where she is also a Professor and Chairman of Dermatology. Her clinical and research focus includes photobiology, chronic diseases such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and skin cancers such as lymphoma. Dr. Boh is a past Medical Board member of the National Psoriasis Foundation and is currently a President’s Council Member which represents an elite group of health care providers who are committed to the mission of the Foundation and finding a cure for psoriasis. Dr. Boh has published many articles including addressing today’s topic about weight management and inflammation in psoriasis.

 Brian Lehrschall has lived with psoriatic disease for three decades. He was first diagnosed with psoriasis about thirty years ago, at the age of 13 and with psoriatic arthritis at age 15. With the diagnosis came bullying which led to emotional eating. Per Brian “The more I ate, the worse the weight got.” Like most people who are overweight Brian tried to improve his health with diet and exercise. Along the way he learned about the connection between psoriasis and excess body weight. Eventually a physician recommended he try the weight loss medication GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1). Using this medication he has lost over 100 pounds and is still losing weight along with improving his overall health which includes his psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Brian joined the National Psoriasis Foundation in 2000 as a volunteer and has become an advocate for improving access to care and sharing his story about living with psoriatic disease.

Resources:

Ø  “Taking Back Control” Advance Online. M. Werbach. July 17,2025.

Ø  “Is Choosing the Mediterranean Diet Right For You and Your Psoriatic Disease?” podcast episode with dermatologist Dr. Adam Ford and registered dietitian, Danielle Baham.

Ø  Find the support you need through the One to One Program