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A myRAteam Member asked a question šŸ’­
Freeport, FL

Hi! Since getting RA 4 years ago I've gained a lot of weight. It hit my ankles first so the extra weight doesnt help. I used to walk 3 miles a day before ra. The other day I had a dr appt and he said that Mounjaro is something I should try even if its for 6 months (I've heard the weight comes back when u go off but idk). In looking looking into it it shows it can benefit me by lowering overall inflamation which is produced by excess fat. I've read the negative reviews about it but losing… read more

January 30
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myRAteam

Have you tried weight loss injections for RA-related weight gain?

It's completely understandable to feel frustrated—RA can really impact quality of life, and the weight gain that often comes with it adds another layer of difficulty. You're right that excess body fat produces cytokines that increase inflammation, so losing Show Full Answer

Have you tried weight loss injections for RA-related weight gain?

It's completely understandable to feel frustrated—RA can really impact quality of life, and the weight gain that often comes with it adds another layer of difficulty. You're right that excess body fat produces cytokines that increase inflammation, so losing weight could genuinely help reduce your RA symptoms and joint pain.

Research shows that losing even 10 pounds can significantly improve joint pain and day-to-day function with RA. Some people have found that losing weight helped ease pressure on their joints, especially in weight-bearing areas like hips, ankles, and feet.

About weight loss approaches:

While specific weight loss injections aren't detailed in RA research, what matters most is finding a safe, sustainable approach. Here's what can help:

* Eating a balanced diet with more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
* Cutting back on saturated fats and processed foods
* Gentle physical activity like walking, swimming, or stretching when your joints allow
* Working with your doctor or a dietitian to create a personalized plan

For some people needing significant weight loss, bariatric surgery has brought improvement for RA symptoms. Important considerations:

Since your GI doctor recommended this medication and is already investigating potential inflammatory bowel issues, it's good you're working closely with your medical team. Make sure your rheumatologist is also in the loop about any new medications, as they can help monitor how weight loss might affect your RA treatment effectiveness.

Some RA medications actually work better when you're at a healthier weight, so losing weight could potentially improve your treatment outcomes. Just remember to start small and work toward changes gradually—you don't have to overhaul everything at once.

A myRAteam member who lost 25 pounds through diet and gentle exercise shared that it helped especially with hip and foot pain, though they acknowledged it wasn't easy with RA.

You're taking positive steps by exploring options with your doctor. Getting your spark back is absolutely possible!

January 30
A myRAteam Member

Well, this is my answer to weight loss injections. I have now a digestive issue called gastroparesis. This is usually in people that are diabetics and I’m not diabetic. This is one of the side effects to the drugs and what gastroparesis is is paralyzed stomach, or slowing down of the system. So now I’m set up with a dietitian and she has me eaten six small meals a day you can call them meals actually they’re really snacks. And my system is finally starting to work better and I lost 7 pounds this past month. It’s not that I’m a lot overweight. I’m 5 foot three and I weigh 156 but at one time I was 211 at my highest weight. I know it’s hard to keep the weight off when you can’t exercise I was playing pickle ball six days a week. I was staying very active just because I lost 30 pounds doing it now I fell and I don’t even know if I’m gonna go back to Pickleball, but I’m making it up at the gym. You just have to find what you can do. I get stretched every other week, I have a massage once a month, I go to the chiropractor once a month, I do Pilates once a week I do chair yoga once a week and I exercise at the gym five days a week. Believe me it’s not easy, but I’m a physical therapy right now because of the RA in the lower back and my neck. But if I sit on the couch and I don’t move, I’ll be like the tin man from Wizard of Oz and I won’t be able to move. Good luck on your journey we all need help and support.

January 31
A myRAteam Member

Yes. I tried the Mounjaro weekly injection which was very painful for me. It helps me to lose about 15 pounds but stopped working. I was hoping to lose another 20.

February 19
A myRAteam Member

Im sorry I didnt see your reply sooner! I know there are risks taking it and that has been concerned. There are also risks about being so overweight and unable to be too active. My GI said the benefits outweigh the risk for me at this point so Im considering it. I hope you can get back to normal and become active again.

February 15
A myRAteam Member

Yes indeed you are right

January 31

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Fort Worth, TX

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