Does lupus cause weight gain?
What is Lupus and its common signs?
Lupus, an autoimmune condition, occurs when the immune system mistakenly targets healthy tissues, leading to widespread inflammation. Common signs like joint discomfort, skin rashes, and fatigue often occur. However, despite the absence of a cure, various treatments are available to ease symptoms. It is noteworthy that lupus primarily impacts women, particularly those of African American, American Indian, or Asian heritage.
How Lupus Can Affect Your Weight and What You Can Do About It
Did you know lupus can affect your weight? Additionally, it can lead to both weight gain and loss, with obesity being more common among those with lupus. Excess weight can worsen symptoms and increase the risk of health problems like heart disease [1].
Furthermore, weight gain can result from medications, stress, lack of sleep, and other conditions like hypothyroidism and kidney issues [2]. Conversely, lupus can cause weight loss due to digestive symptoms and difficulty absorbing nutrients [3].
Whether you’re gaining or losing weight, it’s essential to be aware of how lupus can impact your body and seek appropriate support.
To manage weight while living with lupus, individuals should consider the following strategies:
- Eating a healthy diet and avoiding foods that cause symptoms to flare
- Getting regular physical activity
- Drinking plenty of water
- Getting enough sleep each night
- Managing stress levels, such as through yoga or meditation
- Limiting or avoiding alcohol
- Stopping smoking
It is essential to work with a doctor or medical team to develop a personalized plan for managing weight and lupus symptoms [2][3].
Lupus and Weight Gain: Causes, Consequences, and Coping Strategies
Lupus can affect your weight, causing either weight gain or weight loss. Additionally, many factors can play a role in these changes. For instance, the medications you take, like corticosteroids, can contribute to fluctuations [2][3].
Mas kidney problems, may exacerbate these fluctuations [2][3].
Furthermore, experiencing digestive issues such as vomiting, indigestion, and nausea may cause a loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss [2][3]. Conversely, individuals with lupus are more likely to be obese compared to the general population. Additionally, carrying excess weight can worsen the symptoms and hasten a decline in health [2].
To maintain weight while managing lupus, there are several helpful approaches to consider. Firstly, eating well-balanced meals is essential. Additionally, staying active, staying hydrated, and getting ample rest are important factors [2].
Also Read: Lupus in Women: Early signs of lupus in females
Moreover, managing stress, cutting back on alcohol, and quitting smoking can contribute significantly. Working closely with a doctor or medical team is crucial for tailoring a plan that suits both weight management goals and its symptoms [2].
Furthermore, lifestyle adjustments, such as tweaking your diet and finding suitable exercise routines, can also make a significant difference in managing weight for those living with lupus [4].
It’s crucial to have open conversations with your healthcare provider if you notice any big and unexpected changes in your weight. Consequently, they can work with you to create a plan that might involve therapy, exercise, or adjusting your medications. Additionally, keeping your weight in check is also important for reducing the risk of complications and enhancing outcomes for lupus [1][2][3]. Moreover, higher stress levels, lack of sleep, and other health conditions like hypothyroidism can also influence your weight. Furthermore, complications from lupus itself, such
The Impact of Corticosteroids on Weight Management in Lupus
Corticosteroids like prednisone are often used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, they can lead to weight gain. A study looking at various research found that using corticosteroids at doses ranging from 1.7 to 11.5 mg/day was linked to weight gain in people with SLE [4].
Moreover, another study compared a low glycemic index diet to a calorie-restricted diet for SLE patients on corticosteroids. Both diets were found to be equally manageable and didn’t cause flare-ups in the disease. Nevertheless, the diet-specific trial showed significant weight loss over a 6-week period [5].
Corticosteroids can lead to weight gain by making you hungrier and causing your body to hold onto more fluids [6].Additionally, they might also make you crave fatty, calorie-rich foods [5]. For people with SLE, managing weight is crucial because it can help improve health outcomes and lower the chance of heart problems [4].
However, it’s tricky to fully understand the role of corticosteroids in weight management because many studies haven’t consistently tracked medication use [4].
Lupus Nephritis and Water Retention: How to Reduce Swelling and Weight Gain
Do your feet seem swollen lately? Perhaps Lupus nephritis, a kidney problem associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), could be the culprit. When your kidneys struggle to filter out extra fluids, it can lead to swelling in your legs, feet, or ankles. Here are some helpful tips to ease the swelling and keep you feeling comfortable on your feet:
- Monitor Sodium Intake: Eating less salt can help reduce fluid retention [7].
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking an adequate amount of water can help maintain the body’s fluid balance and reduce water retention [8].
- Increase Vitamin B6: This can help with water balance and reduce fluid retention [7].
- Rest and Exercise: Finding a balance between rest and physical activity, such as cardio or yoga, can help manage fluid retention [7].
- Medication Management: Some medications, such as corticosteroids, can cause fluid retention, so it’s important to work with a healthcare professional to manage medications and their potential side effects [8].
Lupus, Obesity, and Depression: A Vicious Cycle and How to Break It
Did you know that depression, obesity, and lupus often form a challenging cycle, each worsening the others? It’s true! About one-third of people with lupus also grapple with depression and anxiety, which can be incredibly tough to handle. Depression isn’t just feeling sad—it’s a long-lasting and disabling condition that can compound difficulties [9].
Interestingly, depression can fuel inflammation in the body, particularly when factors like higher BMI or smoking are involved [10]. It’s like a vicious cycle—depression can amplify inflammation, worsening conditions like obesity [11].
Speaking of lupus, did you know that a kidney disease called lupus nephritis can cause swelling, especially in the legs, feet, or ankles? To alleviate this, those dealing with lupus nephritis can try strategies like monitoring sodium intake, staying hydrated, ensuring enough vitamin B6, resting, exercising, and managing medications [12].
However, managing all these conditions concurrently can be overwhelming! That’s why it’s crucial for people with the condition to collaborate with their healthcare providers to devise a comprehensive plan encompassing dietary changes, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. By working together, they can confront depression, obesity, and lupus head-on, striving for improved health and well-being.
The Bottomline
In summary, lupus, an autoimmune condition, can affect weight, leading to both gain and loss. Factors like medication and kidney issues contribute to these fluctuations. Managing weight requires a holistic approach, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and close collaboration with healthcare providers. Addressing the interconnectedness of lupus, obesity, and depression is crucial for better health outcomes and improved well-being.
