Has being overweight caused rheumatoid arthritis?

[Sistah_SolulJah]

Has my weight caused me to have rheumatoid arthritis? I am not overweight by much and I wear a uk size 20. I am curious to know if anyone else has been told their weight is a contributing factor in having RA. It is obvious that weight will have a bearing on the joints but surely its not the cause right?!

[Hidden]

no its something that anyone can get on one makes it happen I was size 16 six months ago now gone down to size 10 with the rd and still slipping away ,there is nothing that could have prevented rd ,its just luck of the draw hope you get sorted soon.

[Hidden]

No it's not the cause. I know of people of all sizes with RA. Tx

[Hidden]

Hello

I have a type of RA that is quite extensive, Generally it is not the weight that causes it, it is your weight that can cause more joint pain as it is putting stress on the joint

All the best

BOB

[Corsav7]

Hi, I've been told to watch my weight as being over weight will put pressure on your joints and make you feel worse. Its certainly not a cause of RA and think thats a sneaky way of blaming you for it. My weight has gone up and I know I need to lose some but I comfort eat when feeling down and in pain so am in a vicious circle at the mo xx

[oldtimer]

The weight isn't the cause of RD(RA). The cause is your immune system attacking your body.

BUT too much weight will put an extra strain on your joints which are already being attacked.

And your cardiovascular system may also be attacked by the RD. Being overweight also puts an extra threat on that as well.

It's really hard, but you need to seek help to reduce your weight as much as possible to reduce your risks. Exercise helps to prevent complications from RD as well and that's more difficult to do if you are overweight.

Can you be referred for an exercise programme? And to a dietician? Ask. (This is me having struggled to reduce after three stones of weight gain on high dose steroids)

[NeonkittyUK]

I was eight stones when I got RA and it plummeted to 6 before I made a recovery. Definitely keeping weight off helps the knee joints etc. I am always conscious of this and like to keep my weight down.