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A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Fort Worth, TX
October 20, 2025
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A myRAteam Member

I'm also interested in this, had someone tried ozempic already? I'm a bit afraid of the side effects.

October 21, 2025
myRAteam

What medications can help with weight loss when you have rheumatoid arthritis?

If you're carrying extra weight, losing some pounds may help control RA by:
• Reducing pain and inflammation
• Making certain medications more effective
• Enabling more physical activity

It's important to talk with your doctor about safe weight Show Full Answer

What medications can help with weight loss when you have rheumatoid arthritis?

If you're carrying extra weight, losing some pounds may help control RA by:
• Reducing pain and inflammation
• Making certain medications more effective
• Enabling more physical activity

It's important to talk with your doctor about safe weight loss goals and strategies rather than starting any weight loss medications on your own. A healthcare team approach can help manage weight effectively:
• Your rheumatologist can evaluate if current RA medications are contributing to weight gain
• A physical therapist can suggest appropriate exercises that won't stress your joints
• A registered dietitian can help develop an eating plan that supports your overall health and manages medication effects on metabolism

Remember that maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of managing RA, but any weight loss program should be supervised by your healthcare providers.

October 20, 2025
A myRAteam Member

Hi Dawn,
I have been on it for 12 weeks and the scale number keeps going down. My doctor told me it would come off more slowly, but that is best. The key is drinking lots of water, I add flavored hydration powder to my water as just water can affect your electrolytes.
I have not had any side affects. I try to break my calories into 5 meals throughout the day.
3 small meals and snacks. I eat what I want, but find I get full easier and have to remind myself about the snacks.
I hope this helps!
Good Luck! Let us know how you do.

January 31
A myRAteam Member

My daughter is on Ozempic. Couple of things her doctor told her 1) you must eat, 2) drink lots of water. The only side affect she had was nausea, but the doctor prescribed a fast acting pill, which took care of that.
I started Mounjaro and have not had any reactions, except a little upset stomach. Took Papaya Enzymes and no more problem.
The reason we are on different meds, insurance coverage. Could have been on Ozempic as well, but the Approving Pharmacist said my insurance (Medicare), does not cover vanity drugs...lol Once he understood that 1) I am insulin resistant 2) with 100 lb weight gain (Thank you covid), I was going to be pre diabetic or diabetic, soon 3) am a 4 time stroke survivor (not looking for number 5 and 4) as to vanity, missed that when it was being handed out. Just because I live in So CA, I am not in Hollywood! It was amazing how fast he approved the Mounjaro.
Remember, if a medication is denied, it helps to find out the actual reason for the denial.
Not just "it was not approved"!
Remember with any of these meds, slow and steady wins the goal!
I hope this helped!

October 27, 2025
COVID-19 and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Essential Updates Read more >
A myRAteam Member

Thank u so much! So happy u r doing well on it. I signed up at the weightloss clinic in my pcp's office last week so hope to hear back soon. I had 2 endoscopies this week so idk if its the stress of having them and/or the way they move u when u are sedated but everything hurts. I held off for days hoping it would subside but had to take prednisone last night. I have such a love hate relationship with that drug 😂. Do u think the weightloss med has helped your inflammation? I read that studies are showing it helps block cytokines and lower CRP? I know losing weight will help with that as well as strain on joints. Thanks again!

February 15

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