One interesting trial was aimed at trying to help patients with lupus on steroids to lose weight. The study showed that this was possible and that reducing carbohydrate intake might be a useful way to avoid the weight gain associated with steroid use.

However, what was surprising was that losing weight, by whatever means, led a significant improvement in fatigue – a severe and debilitating aspect of lupus that profoundly affects quality of life.

Reference

Davies R, Lomer M, Yeo S, Avloniti K, Sangle S, D'Cruz D. 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. Lupus. 2012;21(6):649-655.