Does Lupus Cause Weight Gain?
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple body parts of the patient, including their skin, joints, kidneys, and other internal organs. Because of its unpredictability, the symptoms of lupus can vary from person to person, and they range from joint pain to rashes and organ complications.
Many people also experience weight changes with lupus. The unexpected weight gain can be frustrating. However, lupus does not directly cause weight gain; the factors associated with it and its treatment can contribute to it.
In this blog, we learn the link between lupus and weight gain and the factors that lead to weight changes. So, let’s begin!
What Is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when your immune system starts to mistakenly attack healthy tissues and organs. Normally, your immune system is meant to protect the body from infections and diseases. However, when a person has lupus, their immune system becomes overreactive and triggers inflammation.
There are different types of lupus:
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: This is the most common type of lupus, which affects multiple organs.
- Cutaneous Lupus: This type primarily affects the skin and causes rashes or lesions that are triggered by sunlight.
- Drug-Induced Lupus: Certain medications can trigger this type of lupus.
- Neonatal Lupus: It is a rare condition that is passed from the mother to the child.
Lupus affects different internal organs, and this impact affects a person’s lifestyle and metabolism, which might cause bodily changes.
Can Lupus Make You Gain Weight?
Many people with lupus experience weight changes, but the cause isn’t always direct. Lupus itself doesn’t typically cause weight gain, but symptoms like fatigue and joint pain can limit activity, and medications, especially steroids, can increase appetite or cause fluid retention.
Lupus can also affect your hormones and metabolism; however, weight gain is mostly driven by medications (especially steroids), inactivity, sleep/stress, and occasionally comorbidities like thyroid disease. Besides these challenges, patients might also stress eat and have disrupted sleep patterns that may cause weight changes.
Factors Contributing to Weight Gain
Here are some factors that contribute to weight gain in lupus patients:
Medications
One of the main factors of weight gain in lupus patients is medication. Doctors often give medicines like corticosteroids to control inflammation and flare-ups. However, these medications can also increase a patient’s appetite and cause fluid retention, both of which cause weight gain.
Chronic Inflammation
Lupus causes body inflammation, which can affect your metabolism and fat storage. It may affect how your body processes nutrients and stores energy.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal regulation can also be affected by lupus. Especially hormones that are related to stress, metabolism, and thyroid function. The frequent hormonal changes can lead to weight gain.
Lifestyle Factors
Patients who live with lupus cope with fatigue, pain, and mobility issues. This can make regular physical activity challenging for them, and contribute to gradual weight changes.
Final Thoughts
While lupus itself does not cause weight gain, the factors associated with it can lead to weight changes. It is important to understand these factors for effective management.
For effective lupus treatment and management, you can contact Rheumatology Care of North Houston. By working closely with our healthcare experts, you can take key steps in maintaining a healthy weight and effectively managing lupus. Call us now to schedule your appointment.