Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMDs) cause the greatest burden of disability in Europe and is increasing. The WHO Europe Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases recently recognised this burden and recommends action to promote prevention and improve health in the general population and those with musculoskeletal health. Targeted screening and prevention in individuals at high-risk of developing RMDs will only be successful if there is a good understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the disease and of possible genetic and environmental risk factors associated with the risk of developing RMDs. The main focus of this presentation is on the evidence of the association between modifiable lifestyle factors and the risk of developing RMDs and the effectiveness of drugs administered during the preclinical phase of RMDs.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared

DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-eular.7783