GLP-1 Medications Show Anti-Inflammatory Promise in Psoriasis
At Fall Clinical 2026, Dr. Angela Fitch highlights the role of GLP-1 medications in treating psoriasis and obesity, emphasizing their anti-inflammatory benefits.
Dr. Fitch discusses the metabolic and inflammatory connections between psoriasis and obesity.
GLP-1 medications are shown to have direct anti-inflammatory effects beyond weight management.
Dermatologists are encouraged to prescribe GLP-1 therapies to improve patient access and holistic care.
During the Fall Clinical 2026 conference, Dr. Angela Fitch, co-founder of Knownwell, presented insights on the use of GLP-1 medications in treating psoriasis and obesity. She emphasized the importance of understanding the metabolic and inflammatory links associated with psoriasis, advocating for a broader view of treatment that goes beyond mere weight management.
Dr. Fitch explained that psoriasis is not just a skin condition but is closely tied to metabolic health issues. She noted that chronic inflammation, often exacerbated by excess body fat, plays a significant role in the disease's progression. The GLP-1 medications, traditionally used for weight management, have shown promise in addressing these inflammatory pathways directly, thereby improving overall metabolic health.
In her presentation, Dr. Fitch highlighted the necessity of counseling patients about the long-term nature of GLP-1 therapy. She pointed out that discontinuing the medication can lead to a return of weight and a loss of metabolic health benefits, even if the weight does not fully rebound. This underscores the need for ongoing patient education and support in managing their treatment plans.
The discussion also touched on the significant access issues in the United States, where over 100 million individuals require treatment for weight management. Dr. Fitch encouraged dermatologists to confidently prescribe GLP-1 medications, emphasizing that increased clinician involvement could enhance patient care. She contrasted this with the risks associated with patients obtaining medications online without proper medical oversight.
Looking ahead, Dr. Fitch called for more workshops and digital tools to support dermatologists in prescribing GLP-1 therapies. She encouraged those who may feel uncomfortable with prescribing to initiate conversations with patients and refer them to obesity management specialists when necessary, aiming to create a more integrated approach to treating psoriasis and related metabolic conditions.
