Weight gain

[Tulipano]

Since I was diagnosed with lupus sle and fibromyalgia I have initially lost a lot of weight but now I have gained so much weight and I am not even on steroids. Any idea why? What should I do? Xx

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi Tulipano,

Many people with lupus have issues with their weight; this can be due to several different factors like metabolic disorder, decreased activity due to pain/fatigue and side effects of other treatments such as antidepressants.

According to The Lupus Encyclopedia, “It has been shown that people who have SLE can develop auto-antibodies directed at the thyroid gland, causing it to become either overactive or underactive”. When the thyroid gland is underactive, the individual is likely to gain weight. The NHS Choices’ website provided a detailed overview of having an underactive thyroid here: nhs.uk/Conditions/Thyroid-u...

We published an article on our blog about diet and healthy living which you can read here: lupusuk.org.uk/diet-and-hea... .

Please keep us updated, wishing you all the best.

[dotty2203]

Hi Tulipano, I have the same issue. Have been having symptoms for three years, and I am very active as I am a dance teacher. I have put on nearly two stone over this period. My thyroid has been checked and is fine. I think mine is a metabolic thing as I have struggled to loose weight since taking medication when I had Post Natal Illness 13 years ago. The medication caused me to gain 5 stone in 12 months and although I got it off when I stopped the medication, that was by severly limiting my calories and doing 8 exercise classes a week etc. The only thing I can say is try to eat healthily because even if the weight is slow to come off, at least you are doing your body good. I follow the slimming world diet, I don't go to classes though as it's a bit disheartening when everyone else is loosing quickly, but at least I am making good choices for my body. I'm hoping the Consultant will start dialling down my Steroid dose in the next few months and that will help. Maybe do some gentle exercise if you feel up to it, even a walk is great exercise for your heart xx