Answer Summary

Members shared widely varied experiences with weight loss before and after their rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, with some losing significant... Read more

Members shared widely varied experiences with weight loss before and after their rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, with some losing significant amounts (ranging from 8 to 50 pounds) due to loss of appetite, jaw pain making it difficult to chew, or the body's exhausting fight against inflammation. Several members described gaining weight instead, particularly after starting prednisone, which commonly caused swelling in the face and cheeks, while others found that certain medications like methotrexate or Humira contributed to gradual weight changes. A recurring theme was that weight fluctuations, whether loss or gain, are common symptoms tied to both the disease itself and the medications used to treat it, with many members wishing for clearer communication from doctors about these potential side effects.