Objectives: Obesity is a common (30%-40%) comorbidity of psoriasis. Weight loss is shown to improve the severity of psoriasis; however, little is known about the factors that may influence successful weight loss in the context of obesity and psoriasis. The current qualitative study aimed to explore the obesity-associated beliefs, perceptions, and behaviours related to weight loss in psoriasis. Preferences for a weight loss intervention were also explored.
Design: Qualitative in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 adults (62.5% male) with moderate-to-severe psoriasis and obesity (mean body mass index = 35.2 kg/m2 , SD = 4.1), recruited through a patient organization website in the UK. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.
Results: Most participants viewed psoriasis as unrelated to obesity. A well-controlled psoriasis and improvements in psoriasis symptoms were considered as major motivators for engaging in a weight loss program by individuals who viewed psoriasis and obesity as related conditions. Comfort eating was perceived as an escape strategy from the psoriasis-induced negative emotions. Participants shared their dissatisfaction with current weight loss recommendations which were too generic. They suggested that a desirable weight loss program would require both emotional and behavioural support, with an emphasis on psoriasis' burden.
Conclusion: The findings accentuate the importance of (1) clinicians discussing the link between obesity and psoriasis with patients, (2) weight loss advice to include both behavioural and emotional support, and (3) a weight loss advice to consider the psoriasis burden and the perceived barriers which may potentially lead to improved outcomes to obesity management in psoriasis.
Keywords: beliefs; obesity management; perceptions; psoriasis; unhelpful coping behaviours.
© 2022 The Authors. British Journal of Health Psychology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Psychological Society.