Does ra medication cause weight gain?

As if dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is not enough, the added weight gain can feel like a cruel joke. However, it begs the question: does RA medication cause weight gain? In this article, we will explore that very topic.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Before delving into whether RA medication causes weight gain or not, let’s first understand what rheumatoid arthritis is.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder marked by chronic inflammation of joints as well as other areas in the body including lungs and skin. It primarily affects women of all ages but men too can be at risk. Patients usually experience tender and swollen joints often coupled with stiffness.

About 1 million Americans struggle with this condition alone; many more worldwide also face similar experiences. Therefore studying medications’ effects on such patients must be done comprehensively to help alleviate discomfort from associated systemic symptoms.

The concept of being overweight due to taking drugs intended for mitigating joint pains seems improbable yet there may be some truth behind these suspicions! Here are some medications believed by many physicians to increase one’s likelihood of gaining those unwanted extra kilograms:

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids suppress our immune system which goes directly against what one wants when having RA. This allows them time to recover slightly therefore decreasing inflammation-related pain levels until stronger disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) take effect.

Though effective in reducing painfulness early on till stronger DMARDs prove their effectiveness over continued use, they could lead to metabolic challenges promoting fat buildup especially around trunk areas resulting in potentially dangerous health concerns e.g., heart troubles et al hence best used short-term under professional medical supervision only.

Conventional DMARDs

Old-school conventional Disease-Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine can have either slight negative impact on weight or positive side effect of resulting in modest gain. Patients with rheumatoid cachexia results in muscle wasting leading to significant weight loss that could be interpreted as beneficial when actually a symptom for advancement of illness.

In addition to being powerful anti-inflammatory agents they play key role slowing down joint degeneration from RA; getting the amount and timing right may help prevent needless inflammation if any occurs along one’s journey reducing the risk of gaining unnecessary kilograms.

Biologic DMARDs

These smart drugs are bio-engineered protein molecules designed to target specific immune cells so as to reduce swelling and associated pain linked with autoimmune disorders like RA. They work more dynamically than preceding medication options which better assists patients struggling with sustained chronic immune reactions adversely having an impact on day-to-day living standards. Surprisingly despite all their benefits these new kids on pharmaceutical arena do come at price e.g., they too have tendency towards adding few pounds onto body mass index level.

It’s critical nonetheless that patients keenly follow guidance regarding dosage taken i.e., over-utilisation byway attempting to relieve extra unpleasantness may lead eventually even greater issues early onset resistance toxicities through mimicry allergenicity respectively dropping effectiveness without possibility regaining – thanks but no thanks! Biologics must always be administered via experienced health-care providers, and closely monitored because some patients develop signs/drug-triggered conditions requiring prompt attention e.g. drug-induced lupus-like syndrome or ANA-negative lupus erythematous, should this happen then careful evaluation by rheumatologist would determine whether maintaining use justifiable given distinguishable factors affecting patient quality-of-life among other things.

Final Verdict

Weight gain is a complex concept intertwined between numerous variables including general lifestyle choices such as nutrition + exercise, hormonal issues, psychological stress and more!!. There is no one medication solely responsible for weight gain in individuals; a combination of factors must be taken into consideration.

So to answer the question “Does RA Medication cause weight gain?”, the truth is it depends on which medication we’re talking about. Certain drugs are more likely to trigger extra kilograms while others have neutral effects or may even end up contributing positive influence byway helping patients recover lost muscles from exertion originating from difficult journeys towards obtaining that sought-after pain-free life.

Therefore, always follow your doctor’s guidance on taking the right balance of medications that works best for you regarding treating both your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms as well as any additional conditions interfering with balanced daily life. It’s not just athletes who need personalized routines catering different needs unique situations but also everyday people like ourselves as variety often most direct route healing process!!

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