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Health TopicsJoint HealthRheumatoid Arthritis
question

Why does Rheumatoid Arthritis cause weight loss?

Vandana R. Sheth
Vandana R. Sheth on behalf of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Nutrition & Dietetics
answer

Weight loss and cachexia amongst people with Rheumatoid Arthritis is thought to be due to cytokine production which increases resting metabolic rate and protein breakdown.  Due to an inability to adequately meet their nutritional needs especially the increased calorie and protein needs weight loss might occur.

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