Biologics and Weight Gain

[jillbarnes]

Hi

Has anyone experienced weight gain with biogics - I am due to start them but I have read they can make you gain weight which I do not want to do - I am also worried about the risk of infection and septicaemia - any advice please.

[KittyJ]

I’ve not had any weight gain or any more infections etc than before I started biologics. Try not to worry about possibilities as the stress will not help your RA, look on it as a positive we now have all these great meds to help us. 🤞🏻for you

[jillbarnes in reply to KittyJ]

Thank you that is good to hear

[AgedCrone]

Been on Rituximab since 2016…not gained any weight nor had any infections .I did have Covid but very very mildly.

So start whichever Biologic you are about to take & look forward to the good effects it will have.

It is a sad fact that when we are doing well on any sort of treatment…..we don’t boast about it….we just get on with enjoying the beneficial effects……& keep the good news to ourselves!

Good Luck ….I hope you can soon write & tell us how well you are doing.

[jillbarnes in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you that is good to hear

[Topcar]

Hi as others have said look forward to the benefits that yes we do forget to post about ,I only gained weight on prednisolone but none with biologics Good luck

[Runrig01]

The main reason for weight gain with biologics is to do with the inflammation. When inflammation is high, your body burns lots of calories trying to keep it under control. If you continue to eat the same, once biologics have the inflammation under control, you will slowly gain weight. This is because your bodies no longer burning as many calories, so it’s not the medication causing it, it’s not adjusting your intake when your bodies not working so hard.

[jillbarnes in reply to Runrig01]

Thank you - that makes sense

[Jackie1947]

Not experienced that. If we start worrying about what might be it doesn't help the mind. I've been fine on mine and my RA has taken me from a wheelchair to walking freely. Be positive is my mantra

[Amnesiac3637]

Hi. I never have gained weight on any of the zillions of drugs I’ve been on over 30+ years of RA and that includes Prednisolone so don’t anticipate that you will have problems. I’ve certainly not had any more infections than I would normally expect either. Maybe I’ve been lucky - others do have problems but many, many don’t. Go along with Jackie1947’s attitude and look forward to feeling much better!

[jillbarnes in reply to Amnesiac3637]

Thank you so much everyone has been so reassurring with the replies

[Mostmoses]

I started a biologic 2 years ago (I was also 62). Because I was able to taper off steroids, thx to the bio, I lost 6 kilos quickly. Still need to lose 3-4 and the process is slower now, but def no weight gain on biologics for me (I am on Cimzia).

[jillbarnes]

Thank you that is really helpful

[smilelines]

on coscentyx and no weight gain due to the medication but abit due to chocolate. Lol no infections. I think when the cost of biologics goes down they will be used more often than dmards. Dmards suppress the whole system while biologics target particular parts.

[jillbarnes]

Thank you - it is reassuring to hear

[Flipper12345yellow]

Hi, I have gained 6 stone

[jillbarnes in reply to Flipper12345yellow]

Awe dear thats not good

[Flipper12345yellow]

Apparently it changed the way my body treats certain foods and stores all carbs despite me being careful. That and not being able to move much .

[TheBoys]

I ve gained two stones - in 18 months a combination effect of how I’ve changed since starting beta blockers and Amgevita.

Now on another diet hoping to lose that weight. A complete dietary and lifestyle change.

My ambition is to come off the beta blocker at least- as it’s very strong for my needs.

[jillbarnes in reply to TheBoys]

Awe good luck in your weight loss journey