E140 Perceptions of living with and managing both psoriatic disease and overweight/obesity: a qualitative interview study

Abstract Background/Aims Psoriasis vulgaris (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), (together, psoriatic disease PsD) are chronic inflammatory conditions that significantly impair quality of life (QoL). Obesity is a prevalent condition amongst people with PsD. Comorbid obesity and PsD can exacerbate each other. Weight control is vital for improving health outcomes for patients with PsD, which can be achieved through diet, exercise, medications, and surgery. The real-world experiences of individuals receiving advanced therapies for PsD and overweight/obesity, with the more recently approved incretin hormones remain largely unexplored.This study qualitatively summarized the experiences of adults with PsD and overweight/obesity receiving concomitant treatment for both conditions. Methods Adults with PsD and overweight/obesity were invited to participate in a survey followed by virtual semi-structured interviews. Eligible participants self-reported taking a biologic or advanced therapy for PsD for ≥1 year, initiating an incretin hormone ≥3 months after PsO/PsA treatment, and using it for at least 6 months but no longer than 12 months to mitigate recall bias. Interview transcripts were coded for emergent concepts using NVivo v12.0, and thematic analysis was conducted to assess patterns across responses. Results Twenty U.S. adults (PsO and PsA:N=9; PsO only:N=6, PsA only:N=5) were recruited from market research panels (N = 19) and the National Psoriasis Foundation (N = 1). Participants (mean age: 50±12.4; 60% female) discussed impaired QoL across physical health and social engagement (100%), daily functioning (90%), and mental health (90%) prior to initiating incretin hormone therapy. Joint pain (50%) and skin symptoms (35%) were cited as most distressing symptoms during interviews. Participants primarily initiated incretin hormone therapy to lose weight (90%), with 20% seeking improvement in PsD symptoms. Following initiation, all reported physical health improvements, including weight loss (95%), PsO/PsA symptom relief (90%), and improved ability to exercise (80%). Participants discussed improvements in mental health, ability to perform daily activities, and social engagement. Most participants (60%) initiated the conversations about weight-loss medications with their healthcare providers; 40% recalled providers discussing the potential connection between PsD and weight. Many (80%) wished these discussions had occurred earlier, with 25% specifically wishing these occurred at PsO/PsA diagnosis. Additionally, 30% sought for more information from providers about weight-loss treatment options. Four key themes were identified: 1) impact of living with PsD and overweight/obesity before weight-loss medications was largely negative; 2) weight-loss medications contributed to meaningful improvements in QoL, including physical and mental health; 3) individuals wanted more interaction and information from providers of weight-loss medications and PsD; and 4) individuals perceived a relationship between weight and health, but not always between weight and PsD. Conclusion Individuals with PsD and overweight/obesity reported physical health and QoL improvement after incretin hormone therapy. Early and proactive provider engagement around PsD and weight management options may enhance health outcomes. Disclosure U. Desai: Corporate appointments; Employee of Analysis Group. B. Mitchell: Corporate appointments; Employee and shareholder of Eli Lilly and Company. A. Cohee: Corporate appointments; Employee and shareholder of Eli Lilly and Company. Y. Wang: Corporate appointments; Employee of Analysis Group. A. Holub: Corporate appointments; Employee of Analysis Group. M. Mattera: Corporate appointments; Employee of Analysis Group. E. Sears: Corporate appointments; Employee of Analysis Group. C. Bakewell: Consultancies; Novartis, Lilly, Pfizer, Johnson Owner and CEO of Synergy Health. N. Kirson: Corporate appointments; Employee of Analysis Group. H. Stuckey-Peyrot: None. J. Swift: Corporate appointments; Employee and shareholder of Eli Lilly and Company.