losing weight

[halsey18]

hey guys! so since it's normal to lose weight as a side effects of RA,

i lost like 18-20 kg,

what should i do to gain this lost weight back to normal?

p.s. i'm 18 and i was 66 kg when i first diagnosed with RA " 5 years ago " and currently i'm 49 kg, any advises?

[KittyJ]

Have you consulted your doctor about your weight loss Halsey? Always best to get unintentional weight loss checked out especially as in those years you would have been growing too, but if you were very overweight at 13 you may not be underweight now. Get checked out just to be reassured 😊

[vwtopaz]

Hi Halsey I too have lost lots of weight, which puts me at the extremely lower level for my height, I take supplements provided by the dietitian, as I have muscle weakness which impacts my breathing it’s uncertain whether my RA contributes as I’m burning energy due to my work of breathing, I’m 54 very active before, last year ill health has hit me hard......definitely get this checked out as Kitty explains, wishing you well.

[Hessie5]

Hi Halsey - I had the same reaction - lost lots of weight 44kg- I was referred to a dietician. I changed my eating as was overeating fibre; I needed to balance my plate incorporating all the essential food groups. So do call your GP and get referred. I am back at my average weight 57kg now with a healthy BMI. Take care; you will be fine - Hessie 😊

[allanah]

I do think you need to speak with your gp , its unexplained and could be lots of causes including RA but many other reasons too.

[Madmusiclover]

No I haven’t experienced this. I would recommend you talk to your GP.

[LoneEra]

Having your weight impacted - whether it’s losing weight or gaining weight - because of RA can be challenging to handle mentally. But remember that you’re still you 😘

Loss of muscle mass can contribute to weight loss - so if your activity levels are compromised it could relate to this to some extent. In the early days I also found myself to be nauseous a lot of the time (especially on MTX) and my appetite decreased a fair bit.

As everyone has said, get it checked out - just in case. A nutritionist, as Hessie, suggested could also be helpful in assisting you to gain weight in a healthy way.

Let us know what the doctor says! Xx

[Brushwork]

I too lost a lot of weight but things have settled down for me now, and I am happy being slimmer. Also since I had to buy a new wardrobe, I'd really rather not put it back on.

In answer to your question though: once your RA is controlled by whatever meds works for you, your body will adjust and allow you to gain a little, maybe not all the weight. It is the disease control that is the magic key to all our troubles.