Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I’ve lost alot of weight on methotrexate

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Willow, AK

I have rheumatoid arthritis was put on methotrexate at the end of March. My symptoms really started in October of last year. I’ve dropped 30 pounds in the past eight or nine months I believe part is because I don’t have the appetite that I had before., I’ve also started eating better. But I feel like a lot of this weight is just coming off because of the methotrexate. I have had some stomach issues when I first started the methotrexate those of mostly subsided occasionally I get a bad stomach if… read more

August 29
 · 
Reactions
A myRAteam Member

I am having the same problem with eating, Lisa. It really didn't start until I went from 15mg up to 20mg. If you feel like its the MTX, talk to your Dr. They can change your meds to see if that helps. I've only taken 20mg twice, so I will wait and see if it goes away before I get to excited about it. I also do not need to lose anymore weight right now. I know I've definitely lost muscle mass, but I'm not quite at the point where I feel like I can do any exercise that will actually benefit me. Everything still has a bad effect on me. I'm paying today because I went tile shopping with my husband yesterday after my PT appointment. Talk to your Dr and hopefully they can help you find a solution!

August 29
A myRAteam Member

rheumatoid arthritis itself can sometimes cause loss of appetite which leads to weight loss, too. Check with your MD though, 30lbs is a lot of weight to lose either from RA or MTX.

August 29
myRAteam

That's quite a journey over the past several months! Losing 30 pounds is significant, and it sounds like several factors are working together — improved eating habits, reduced appetite, and the effects of methotrexate itself.

Methotrexate can contribute to weight loss in a few ways:

- Nausea and stomach issues can reduce Show Full Answer

That's quite a journey over the past several months! Losing 30 pounds is significant, and it sounds like several factors are working together — improved eating habits, reduced appetite, and the effects of methotrexate itself.

Methotrexate can contribute to weight loss in a few ways:

- Nausea and stomach issues can reduce how much you eat
- Loss of appetite is a known side effect
- Mouth sores can also make eating uncomfortable for some people

These digestive side effects are very common when starting methotrexate, affecting a large percentage of people with RA. The good news is that yours have mostly settled down, which is typical over time. The muscle loss concern is worth taking seriously. With RA, muscle loss can happen and is worth addressing directly with your doctor.

Staying consistent with strength training is genuinely one of the best things that can be done to combat muscle loss — so keeping up with the weightlifting is a great instinct, even if it's not perfectly consistent yet.

It would be worth mentioning the 30-pound loss and the muscle loss concerns to your rheumatologist at your next visit. They may suggest a referral to a registered dietitian or physical therapist to help make sure the weight coming off is fat rather than muscle.

August 29

Related Questions

View All

Has anyone lost weight?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Clinton township NJ
November 25, 2023

Hi, can i stop Methotrexate to take Mounjaro ?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Pontypridd, UK
June 6

Has anyone taken mounjaro

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Central FL
January 10, 2023

Can Methotrexate Make RA Joint Pain Worse Instead of Better?
Methotrexate Withdrawal Symptoms and Managing RA Flares After Stopping
Can Leg Cramps Be a Side Effect of Methotrexate for RA?
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In