Fitch noted a strong relationship between psoriasis and metabolic health issues, extending across the whole metabolic health continuum rather than weight alone. She expects more indications for these medications in the future beyond weight management.

Inflammation and Metabolic Health in Psoriasis

Fitch described a direct link between metabolic health issues, chronic inflammation, and inflammatory diseases in general. Excess adiposity is an inflammatory condition and promotes inflammation, she said. She added the medications are also directly anti-inflammatory.

“These medications are having a direct effect on metabolic health, a direct effect on those inflammatory pathways, not just because of the weight management,” Fitch said.

Counseling Patients on Long-Term Treatment

Fitch said patients should be counseled about GLP-1 therapy as chronic, long-term treatment. She cited data from the obesity treatment space.

“When you remove the medication, not only does the weight come back on, but the metabolic health benefits go away as well, even though the weight hasn’t come fully back on,” Fitch said.

Expanding Access Through Dermatology Prescribing

Fitch said dermatologists can prescribe GLP-1 medications as they do other dermatology drugs, with adverse effects and risk-benefit considerations discussed with patients. She cited a significant access issue in the United States, with over 100 million Americans needing treatment for weight management alone. There are not enough clinicians of any sort to treat them, she said.

“The more clinicians we can have prescribing these medications confidently and safely, the better off we’re going to be,” Fitch said.

Fitch contrasted this with patients obtaining medication online without care wrapped around it. The workshop encouraged comfort with prescribing for psoriasis, weight management, and holistic metabolic health through more workshops and digital online tools.

Fitch said dermatologists who are not comfortable prescribing can still start the conversation and refer to a clinician in obesity management or primary care.