Can rheumatoid arthritis cause weight loss?

I lost about 6 kgs when my RA was highly active last year. The constant pain completely ruined my appetite, and the fatigue made me too tired to even eat properly. I can only say that my weight stabilized once my overall joint pain got under control.

Unexplained weight loss in RA is often due to high levels of inflammatory cytokines, which can cause a condition called rheumatoid cachexia. It can also be a side effect of certain medications. It is highly recommended to consult your specialist to evaluate this properly.

Well, normally losing weight would make me happy, but doing it because of arthritis pain and nausea is definitely not the fun way! Chronic inflammation burns a lot of energy, hence the weight loss. Better discuss this with your doctor to plan a proper diet.

Yes, chronic inflammation can cause weight loss by breaking down muscle mass. If you are a vegetarian like me, make sure you are getting enough protein through paneer, lentils, and sprouts to prevent muscle loss, but do consult a clinical nutritionist for a proper plan.