Weight Gain/Loss with PSA

Thanks for reaching out, , and I really hope some of our community members here can share their experiences with you. Also, I just want to validate how frustrating and discouraging it's been for you to have your doctor dismiss your very real experience of weight gain. You have really advocated for yourself and gone through so much (from your PCP, his PA, a nutritionist, and all the labs and dietary changes) to try to figure out what is causing your weight gain (and difficulty in weight loss). I would also say that, although I'm not a doctor, just because your rheumatologist has never come across this before (even in 15 years) doesn't mean it isn't possible! Hopefully other people here can chime in about their experiences.


As far as your current treatment for you PsA goes, aside from the weight issue, do you find that it helps your PsA symptoms? I'm just wondering if it's possible that another medication/treatment would be a better fit if this does have something to do with your inflammation? And you mention speaking with several doctors, did you ask your nutritionist also about the weight loss medication? (Also, as you didn't mention it, I'm assuming you aren't on a corticosteroid as those definitely can cause weight gain?)


I wish I had more answers or information for you, but please know that we are so glad that you've reached out to the community here. Weight can be a touchy and vulnerable subject and I applaud you for being open and seeking information and answers! Please know that this community is here for you.


Sending you gentle hugs. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)

Hi . I feel your pain. I too am at close to 150 pounds. No matter what I try the weight doesn't come off. I swear that is the only thing these doctors are ever taught anymore is weight. I had one doctor tell me that he didn't know anything about psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis but if I would lose weight he could guarantee I wouldn't hurt no more. That was the first time and the last time I saw that doctor. I would say the same to you. Tell the doctors goodbye and find doctors that will listen to what you say not dismiss it. If you need suggestions on those doctors you can look on the National Psoriasis Foundation website at www.psoriasis.org and find doctors that are close to you. Hang in there. You are definitely not the only one who is having this very same issue. Hugs to you. Vickie W., Team Member

i have had the exact same issue off and on, particularly since going on biologics. What one of my rheumatologists told me is this: With active PsA, multiple systems within the body are often under attack, including the endocrine, the gastrointestinal, and the metabolic. These kinds of attacks tend to cause weight loss, or make weight loss easier. Once the disease is under proper management, and multi-system inflammation is reigned in, the patient may regain lost weight, and if weight loss was previously an issue, it may once again be so. I have tracked my weight on a weekly basis for years, and I can attest to the fact that when I went on a new biologic, if it worked, I did gain weight. Over time, when the effects of the biologic would begin to wane, a sign it was no longer working, I would suddenly begin fairly rapid weight loss. Nothing crazy, but as much as five pounds in a few weeks sometimes. All my labs would come back normal. So, if my doctors are to be believed, and I do see a strong correlation with weight gain/loss and the efficacy of biologics for PsA, then it's not the medications causing weight gain, but the disease causing weight loss.

Hi, Jamie,


I just wanted to share my experience with having PsA and being on a weight-loss drug.


Though I've likely had PsA for 30+ years, I was only diagnosed a year ago. I've only been in a DMARD for about 9 months.


I am also a well controlled, T2 diabetic who was taking a pill and one shit of long acting insulin at night.


Insulin is known to cause weight gain. Insulin messes with the hormones that tell you that you are full so it's really difficult to lose weight but easy to gain weight.


I had been struggling to lose weight for several years and I was tired of the extra weight. Plus it wasn't helping my joints. So not long after I was diagnosed with PsA and Sjogren's I went to my doctor and said I needed help losing weight and he agreed.


I started taking Victoza last October. By February I was down about 30 pounds and within a healthy weight range. I'm petite so 30 pounds is a lot on my small frame.


Victoza is an older medication but in a similar class to Ozempic and Wegovy. These drugs slow down digestion so when you eat, you feel full quickly. If you do over eat you will typically suffer from some sort of GI distress: diarrhea, vomiting, etc.


The weight came off rapidly! I started having more energy though to be fair, I had also started my DMARD around the same time and that also helped.


I can eat more now than I did when I first started the injectable but not enough to gain weight unless I really try too.


Having the weight off really has taken the strain off of my lumbar spine which is where the PsA has done the most damage over the years. With my DMARD on board as well, I'm like a different person. I can move more easily, I have more energy and less joint pain. And my all important A1C went from 6.7 to 5.9! Which is huge! Plus I no longer need insulin.


Feel free to ask me any questions. And I know 30 pounds doesn't seem like much, I'm not even 5'2" and have osteopenia which means I have smaller and lighter bones. I hope this helps.🤗