I've got a bit fat recently, and have been reading with interest that this can apparently make RA symptoms worse*. Has anyone experienced any joy with weight loss alleviating symptoms?
The triple therapy (methotrexate + hydroxychloroquine + sulfasalazine) I've been on for 6 months or so seems to have done about 75% of the job of getting me better**, and I'd ideally like to avoid biologics for the time being if at all possible, so wondering if weight loss could be the key to the last 25%...
It did help me after I was diagnosed (and also on triple therapy) - but possibly more because I felt better in myself and was able to start exercising, rather than direct change to RA symptoms. I have naturally low inflammation levels, so impossible to tell whether the weight loss changed anything or not.
Keeping to a suitable weight for your build is sensible in any walk of life....but particularly if you need to protect your joints....so watch the diet,& maybe you won’t need Biologic drugs.But if you need them..grab them!
I put 5 stone in weight around the time of diagnosis and over the past 20 months have taken the 5 stone off again.I feel much better being back at a normal weight and look more myself again which helps my wellbeing. I am moving easier, but whether that's down to the weight loss, the meds or a combination of both is difficult to say.
Being a healthy weight is important for everyone, but particularly so when you have RD.
Well done on the weight loss.👏 Have you any tips because I've 4st to lose and can't seem to shift any of it stuck on a plateau difficult to exercise because of joints.🙄
I've ate very healthy rather than a strict diet as such. I try to stick to around 1200 - 1400 calories a day, but don't get upset with the odd day having more.Porridge and fruit for breakfast, homemade soup at lunchtime (made in the soup maker), semiskimmed latte mid afternoon, sometimes with a small scone and butter. Fish or chicken or meat dish in the evening with loads of veg. I don't eat after 5pm, but have lots of tea/water. I find the overnight 'fast' has really helped my indigestion and burning gut issues.
No processed food at all.
I eat when I'm hungry, just choose well....fruit or a small piece of wheaten bread.
I eat from all food groups including fats and carbohydrates and use butter, olive oil, milk, cheese in small portions.
Thankyou for your detailed reply I'll try your ideas. I've been trying slimming world but as I've not got a huge appetite this not working as it works on large meals . Think I'll go to calorie counting xx
This sounds very similar to my approach, which I've always found works for me. I use MyFitnessPal to track calories, and I aim for 1500 a day knowing that if I overshoot by a couple of hundred it's no big deal. I still manage to have a veggie sausage sandwich for breakfast most days, and I too eat dinner early (5pm ish). Plus I can squeeze in a very occasional whisky...
losing weight got rid of my carpal tunnel pain, which avoided surgery. My joints are better if I lose a few pounds, but whether that's because of the weight (I'm not overweight to start with) or because I'm eating less - who knows?
Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm going to give it a go, slowly and sensibly of course. I seem to be losing on average a very sustainable 1lb a week, and I don't feel like I'm sacrificing too much really. I'll report back! Good to hear weight loss has possibly helped some of you.
I was borderline underweight when I became very ill. Now because of years steroids and inactivity I am overweight, but I think the disease activity is approximately at the same level. My mom has been obese most of her life and she is so much healthier than me despite the age difference.
I was a very healthy BMI when I first got it myself. It certainly is hard to keep the pounds off when you feel sorry for yourself, can't walk, and are on steroids! Also becoming a parent hasn't helped.
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Update - have spoken to the consultant. Fluid without inflammation????
Weight training study
Losing weight and having RA
Arava and beneficial weight loss.
