Jump to: Understanding rheumatoid arthritis | How does Mounjaro affect RA? | Things to consider before taking Mounjaro with RA | Take home message
You can take Mounjaro (tirzepatide) if you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and recent research suggests it may offer benefits beyond weight loss for people living with this condition.
A study of people with RA taking anti-obesity medications, including Mounjaro, found significant improvements in inflammatory markers and pain levels.
The research showed reductions in key inflammation indicators (ESR and CRP) and improvements in pain scores.
These findings suggest that Mounjaro might help manage both weight and some aspects of RA symptoms, though more research is needed to understand these effects fully.
While Mounjaro wasn’t explicitly designed to treat RA, its dual action on metabolism and inflammation presents an interesting avenue for supporting people living with both conditions.
However, it’s essential to understand that Mounjaro doesn’t replace your current RA medication.
Understanding rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and potential joint damage over time.
Unlike osteoarthritis, which develops through general wear and tear and is more linked to lifestyle, RA is a systemic condition affecting the entire body.
In the UK, RA affects approximately 400,000 people, with women being three times more likely to develop the condition than men. The condition typically begins between ages 40 and 60, though it can start at any age.
The relationship between RA and body weight is complex. Excess weight can increase inflammation throughout the body and place additional stress on joints.
However, RA itself can affect metabolism and body composition through various mechanisms:
1. Chronic inflammation can alter how the body processes and stores energy
2. Pain and fatigue may limit physical activity
3. Some RA medications can affect weight and metabolism
4. The condition can impact appetite and eating patterns
How does Mounjaro affect RA?
Recent research examined 152 people with RA who took anti-obesity medications, including Mounjaro.
The participants experienced significant improvements in:
- Inflammatory markers (ESR and CRP levels)
- Pain score
- Cardiovascular risk factors
- Weight loss
These benefits likely occur through multiple mechanisms, including reduced inflammation, improved metabolic health, and decreased joint stress through weight loss.
How Mounjaro could support RA
Researchers believe Mounjaro might support people with RA through several pathways:
1 – Anti-inflammatory effects
The medication appears to reduce systemic inflammation in the body, shown by decreases in key inflammatory markers ESR and CRP.
This reduction in inflammation could potentially help manage some RA symptoms, though more research is needed to understand this relationship fully.
2 – Improved metabolism
Mounjaro helps regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. This improvement might be particularly beneficial for RA patients, as the condition often involves metabolic disruptions that can affect energy levels and inflammation.
3 – Cardiovascular benefits
People with RA have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Research shows that Mounjaro improves several cardiovascular risk factors, including cholesterol levels and blood pressure, which could benefit the RA population.
Things to consider before taking Mounjaro with RA
When taking Mounjaro with RA, several factors deserve attention:
Side effects are generally mild to moderate, with about 15% of RA patients experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea or constipation. These effects typically improve over time and can be managed through proper dosing and dietary adjustments.
The most common reasons people stop taking the medication include:
- Gastrointestinal side effects (24%)
- Perceived lack of effectiveness (10%)
It’s essential to:
- Continue your prescribed RA medications
- Monitor your symptoms regularly
- Maintain open communication with your healthcare team
- Report any new or worsening symptoms
Tips for taking Mounjaro with RA
If you’re considering taking Mounjaro with RA, consider these strategies:
1. Nutrition: Eat regular meals based on whole foods, ensuring adequate protein intake to maintain muscle mass and support joint health. Include anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, colourful vegetables, and olive oil.
2. Physical activity: Regular, gentle exercise can help maintain joint mobility and muscle strength. Work with a physiotherapist or qualified trainer to develop an appropriate exercise plan.
3. Sleep quality: Prioritise good sleep habits, as quality rest helps manage inflammation and supports overall health. Aim for 7-9 hours per night.
4. Healthcare support: Ensure all your healthcare providers, including your rheumatologist and GP, are aware of your medications and can coordinate your care effectively.
Take home message
While Mounjaro shows promise for people living with both RA and higher weight, it’s important to approach treatment as part of a balanced approach to health that includes a focus on building healthy habits.
The medication appears to offer benefits beyond weight loss, including potential improvements in inflammation and pain levels.
Success depends on careful monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and continued management of your RA. Work closely with your healthcare team to develop an approach that best suits your individual needs.
Second Nature’s medication programmes
Second Nature has two medication-supported programmes: a Wegovy weight-loss programme and a Mounjaro weight-loss programme.
Why should you choose Second Nature over other medication providers if you’ve decided to try Mounjaro or Wegovy (assuming you’re eligible)?
For peace of mind.
Second Nature has worked with the NHS for over 6 years, providing weight-loss programmes across the UK.
While our Wegovy and Mounjaro weight-loss programmes are private and not currently used by the NHS, we’ve built the programmes focusing on scientific evidence, patient safety, and data security.
We hope that our 6+ years of working with the NHS and building a track record of effective weight-loss results will give you peace of mind to give us a try.
