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Methotrexate and weight gain

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martin06813
martin06813

hi. I was diagnosed 4 months ago with RA and have just been started on Methotrexate supplemented with folic acid. I am overweight and have joined a local slimming world group and have lost 2 stone in about 4 months. My question is has anyone experienced weight gain whilst taking Methotrexate orally. I want to keep losing weight and am concerned this drug may not help with this process.

2 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • gillian_25383
    gillian_25383 martin06813

    Posted

    I had to come off prednisolone because of huge weight gain and heart attack.Rheumatologist put me on methotrexate as does not cause weight gain.Good luck and may your fantastic weight loss continue
    • martin06813
      martin06813 gillian_25383

      Posted

      Thanks for this information Gillian, it's very helpful. Hopefully, any weight gain I may have at next weigh in only relates to some excesses over Xmas and New Year and I will be focus img again as I was before the festive break. I have had a steroid injection but the idea of the Methotrexate is to stop steroid injections because of the prospect of oestoporosis. I had a few minor side affects on my first dose of Methotrexate mainly hot and cold flushes, itching and bloating, but it only lasted 12 hours
  • lucynewas
    lucynewas martin06813

    Posted

    I've gained weight too - assumed it was the steroids!  Will be researching this asap.  Thanks for heads' up.
    • martin06813
      martin06813 lucynewas

      Posted

      are you taking oral steroids. I understand these will lead to weight gain. Talk to your nurse or consultant about your worries and good luck
    • lucynewas
      lucynewas martin06813

      Posted

      Oral steroids - relatively low dose, but steroids nevertheless.  Have a great specialist nurse team - it's steroids or stiffness right now, and have to function, so on the lowest dose I can tolerate.
  • Lisa_Batts
    Lisa_Batts martin06813

    Posted

    Well done on your weight loss. That is brilliant 🤗🤗 As others have mentioned it is the steroids that may make you gain weight. Saying that I've been on a reducing programme from 30mg of prednisone down to 2.5mg and my weight stayed stable. In fact the methotrexate itself is more likely to cause loss of appetite. Since getting down to 2.5mg on the MTX I keep losing weight. Medication is obviously very important and some may cause slight weight gain/loss but you have the mental attitude to control it as you have shown. Good luck and keep up the good work 🤗🤗☀️
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