Weight Loss and Other Consequences associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune disease that can lead to a variety of health complications, one of which is unintentional weight loss. This article aims to shed light on the common causes of weight loss in people with RA and discuss the implications of this weight loss on overall health.
Weight loss in RA patients often results from inflammatory muscle loss (myopenia) and reduced activity levels. Myopenia is a specific muscle loss characterized by significant muscle mass reduction without fat loss, leading to worsened functional capacity, increased frailty, and elevated mortality risk [1]. Chronic inflammation caused by RA contributes to muscle breakdown and altered metabolism, leading to weight loss primarily through muscle loss rather than fat loss [2][4].
Progressive joint damage and pain in RA can reduce physical activity, accelerating muscle degeneration (secondary sarcopenia) beyond normal aging effects, contributing to weight and muscle loss [2]. Additionally, RA symptoms such as loss of appetite and dietary restrictions, or increased energy needs due to inflammation, can also contribute to weight loss [3].
The implications of weight loss in RA are significant. Loss of muscle mass weakens strength and mobility, making daily activities harder and elevating the risk of falls and disability [2]. This muscle loss may also increase the risk of mortality, reduce responsiveness to RA medications, complicate disease management, and accelerate physical disability, reducing quality of life [1][2]. Moreover, weight loss might lead to inadequate intake of essential nutrients necessary for immune function and overall health, further weakening patients [4].
It is essential for RA patients experiencing unwanted weight loss to discuss this with their doctor. A doctor can evaluate medications and help identify the cause of weight loss, make dietary recommendations, and any necessary adjustments to medication [5].
Interestingly, people with obesity are more likely to develop RA [6]. However, long-term use of certain RA medications such as cyclosporine, methotrexate, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can lead to liver problems or liver failure [7].
Lastly, maintaining a moderate weight can be challenging for people with RA. However, managing RA-related weight loss focuses on controlling inflammation medically, maintaining muscle mass through exercise and nutrition (including anti-inflammatory diets), and addressing any contributing factors like joint pain or dietary insufficiencies to preserve functional ability and improve outcomes [3][4].
In summary, weight loss in RA primarily results from inflammatory muscle loss (myopenia) and reduced activity. This loss adversely impacts strength, function, and disease progression, highlighting the importance of comprehensive management to protect overall health. If you are a RA patient experiencing weight loss, it is crucial to consult your doctor for a proper evaluation and management plan.
References: [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6393817/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6393817/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6719597/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6393817/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6393817/ [6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6393817/ [7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6393817/
- The naive RA seekers might be unaware that chronic inflammation can lead to a specific condition called myopenia, a muscle loss characterized by reduced muscle mass without fat loss.
- For treatment seekers dealing with RA and obesity, managing weight is crucial as long-term use of certain RA medications can lead to liver problems or failure.
- Switchers, those who have switched RA medications due to side effects or inefficacy, should be aware that maintaining muscle mass through exercise and anti-inflammatory diets can help preserve functional ability and improve outcomes.
- A rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis can lead to unintentional weight loss due to factors such as inflammatory muscle loss and reduced activity levels, which can increase frailty, elevate mortality risk, and complicate disease management.
- Treatment of RA focuses on controlling inflammation, maintaining muscle mass through exercise and nutrition, and addressing contributing factors like joint pain or dietary insufficiencies to reduce the risk of falls, disability, and improve quality of life.
- People with RA, obesity, or other chronic diseases such as arthritis should prioritize health-and-wellness, including weight-management, as these conditions can increase the risk of mortality and reduce responsiveness to RA medications.
- Inflammatory muscle loss, a common cause of weight loss in RA patients, is often accompanied by worsened functional capacity, increased frailty, and elevated mortality risk.
- Persons living with RA, rheumatoid arthritis, or other medical-conditions that lead to weight loss should consult their doctor for a proper evaluation and management plan to optimize their health and overall well-being.
