Weight Gain and Lupus

People with lupus may notice that their weight often fluctuates or that it’s hard to stay physically active. Additionally, obese lupus patients, especially women, may struggle with worsened symptoms and a decline in function. This article will explore how weight gain and lupus are connected and how to manage it.

*Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk.

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Lupus itself does not directly cause weight gain. However, the symptoms and treatments of lupus can lead to some weight fluctuations.

Severe muscle and joint pain can make it difficult to exercise or even complete daily activities without extreme discomfort or pain. Additionally, the extreme fatigue brought about by lupus can also contribute to a lack of activity. Learn more about how fatigue can affect your daily life.

Though these symptoms of lupus may cause weight gain, long bouts of inflammation or organ damage can lead to unintentional weight loss.

In addition, medication such as corticosteroids have side effects that may lead to weight gain. Corticosteroids are great for regulating your immune system, and many lupus patients rely on them to control flare-ups. However, they also have side effects that can cause an increase in weight gain, such as:

• An increase in appetite

• Your body holding onto fluids

• Fat build-up around the torso (Cushing’s syndrome)

Obese lupus patients can experience worsened symptoms, along with decreased mental and physical function. Obese women with lupus especially are at greater risk of being impacted, with studies showing they experience higher levels of cognitive impairment and experience the complications of obesity at a lower BMI than normal.

In general, obese lupus patients may experience:

• Severe depression

• Increased pain

• Increased fatigue

Along with the development of several other health complications, such as:

• Type 2 diabetes

• Heart disease

• High cholesterol

• Hypertension

• Heart disease

• Respiratory problems

It can be difficult to mitigate the constant weight fluctuations that come with lupus. However, there are some steps you can take to maintain within your target weight range, such as:

Staying Active: This is dependent on how you’re feeling and whether the severity of your symptoms allow you to move around. However, whenever possible, strive to stay active, even if it’s just a walk around your house.

Eating Well: There is no specific foods that will help you avoid the complications of lupus. However, it is generally recommended to eat a well-balanced meal full of whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Speak with your health care provider to find what works best with you.

Getting Enough Sleep: Poor sleep can lead to an increase of hormones that cause weight gain. Thus, try to get a full eight hours of rest to not only keep your weight stable, but also eliminate the risk of any other health complications

​Your healthcare provider may also recommend medications or suggest avoiding corticosteroids. It is important to advocate for what feels right for you and communicate with your healthcare provider thoroughly.

Maintaining within your target weight range can be difficult with lupus, as painful symptoms and flare-ups can lead to a decline in activity. Certain medications like corticosteroids may also lead to weight gain. Obese patients with lupus may experience worsened symptoms and develop other health complications. To mitigate the constant fluctuations, it is recommended to stay active, eat well, and get enough sleep, along with discussing future steps with your healthcare provider.

Does Lupus Cause Weight Gain? Why People With Lupus Notice Shifts in Their Weight | GoodRx

Can lupus result in changes in weight? | MedicalNewsToday

Obesity and lupus | Lupus Foundation of America

How Fat Affects Lupus | Arthritis Foundation