SOME PEOPLE NOTICE CHANGES IN THEIR WAISTLINE WHILE ON THIS TREATMENT, THOUGH STUDIES SUGGEST THE EFFECT IS SMALL AND NOT DIRECTLY CAUSED BY THE DRUG ITSELF
If you have an autoimmune condition, you may already be familiar with biologic medications, which work by targeting specific parts of an overactive immune response. Humira (adalimumab) is a brand-name biologic injection and a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor.
The medication is FDA-approved for several autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, plaque psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Humira is not generally associated with weight gain. However, if you notice unexplained changes in your weight while taking the medication, let your healthcare provider know so they can determine the possible cause.
Key Takeaways
- Weight gain can occur while taking Humira, although it is not identified as a listed side effect on the medication’s label.
- In some cases, weight gain may happen as inflammation improves. Feeling better may restore appetite and energy, which can lead to changes in weight.
- To help maintain a healthy weight while taking Humira, focus on a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep.
Can Humira Cause Weight Gain?
Weight gain was not identified as a side effect in Humira clinical trials. However, some research has found a possible association between TNF inhibitors and modest increases in body weight or BMI.
The evidence is mixed. Some studies involving people with rheumatoid arthritis found no significant additional weight gain, while research involving psoriatic arthritis has suggested that TNF-blocking medications may be associated with small changes in weight. When weight gain does occur, it generally appears to be gradual and modest, with some research estimating an increase of around five pounds over time.
Experts also suggest that the medication itself may not directly cause the weight gain. Instead, changes in health and lifestyle after inflammation improves may play a role.
Why Might Weight Change While Taking Humira?
One possible explanation is better control of the underlying disease. Chronic inflammation can affect appetite and metabolism. When Humira reduces inflammation and symptoms improve, appetite may return, energy levels may increase, and the body may process nutrients differently.
Feeling better can also change daily habits. For example, someone who previously avoided social activities because of pain may become more active socially and eat out more often. On the other hand, improved symptoms may make it easier to exercise regularly and could actually lead to weight loss.
Other factors that may contribute include:
- Age: Weight naturally tends to increase for many adults as they move through adulthood.
- Changes related to side effects: Symptoms such as nausea, headaches, or flu-like symptoms may temporarily affect eating and activity patterns.
- Other medications: People taking Humira may also use medications for other chronic conditions. Some medications, including certain corticosteroids and mood stabilizers, can contribute to weight gain.
- Chronic illness: Pain and fatigue can make physical activity more difficult, while emotional eating may increase consumption of foods high in fat, sugar, or sodium.
As a result, gaining weight while taking Humira doesn’t necessarily mean that Humira itself is directly responsible. It could reflect improved health, changes in lifestyle, another medication, or another underlying factor.
Weight Gain and Chronic Illness
Weight gain is relatively common among people living with chronic conditions that cause pain or inflammation. Joint pain, fatigue, and other symptoms can make exercise difficult, while some people may turn to calorie-dense foods for comfort.
Over time, less physical activity combined with increased calorie intake can contribute to weight gain.
If you’re experiencing weight changes while managing a chronic illness, you’re not alone. Talk with your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about maintaining a healthy weight.
How to Manage Your Weight While Taking Humira
1. Don’t Stop Humira on Your Own
If you’re concerned about weight gain, don’t discontinue Humira without speaking with your healthcare provider. TNF inhibitors can be highly effective at controlling inflammation, and abruptly stopping treatment may allow symptoms to return.
Small changes in weight are also manageable. If your weight is steadily increasing and you’re concerned, bring it up with your healthcare provider.
2. Monitor Your Weight
You don’t need to constantly check the scale, but keeping track of your weight can help you notice gradual changes.
One approach is to weigh yourself once a week and inform your healthcare provider if you gain several pounds over a short period.
3. Focus on Food Quality
Pain and fatigue can make convenient processed foods tempting, but prioritizing protein, fiber, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and minimally processed foods can help support a healthy weight.
These foods can provide more nutrients and help you feel satisfied compared with highly processed foods that may contain large amounts of calories without providing much nutritional value.
The source specifically mentions the DASH and Mediterranean diets as possible approaches to consider.
4. Consider Intermittent Fasting Carefully
Intermittent fasting involves alternating between periods of eating and fasting. Rather than using an aggressive fasting schedule, the source recommends considering a gentler approach, such as eating within an 8–10-hour window and fasting for the remaining 14–16 hours.
For example, someone might eat between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
However, intermittent fasting isn’t appropriate for everyone. Talk with your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your eating schedule.
5. Stay Physically Active
Regular exercise can help manage weight and maintain muscle while you’re taking Humira.
A reasonable goal is around 30 minutes of moderate activity five days per week, which could include:
- Brisk walking
- Jogging
- Swimming
- Resistance training
Strength training two to three times per week may also help preserve muscle and limit unwanted fat gain.
Choose activities you enjoy so that exercise remains sustainable. Walking, yoga, fitness classes, cycling, and weight training can all provide ways to keep moving.
6. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep plays an important role in weight management. Consistently getting too little sleep may contribute to weight gain.
The source recommends aiming for approximately 6–8 hours of quality sleep each night.
When Should You Talk to Your Healthcare Provider?
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience concerning changes in your weight, particularly:
Rapid weight gain: The source defines this as gaining approximately 5 pounds in one week or 5% or more of your body weight within a month.
Unexplained weight gain: Significant weight gain without an obvious increase in food intake or decrease in physical activity may warrant further evaluation.
Weight gain accompanied by other symptoms: For example, unexplained weight gain combined with hair thinning and irregular menstrual periods could indicate an underlying thyroid problem. In men, weight gain accompanied by fatigue and erectile dysfunction could potentially indicate low testosterone.
Your healthcare provider can consider your medical history, existing conditions, medications, and lifestyle to determine what’s contributing to the change in weight.
The Bottom Line
Humira isn’t clearly established as a direct cause of weight gain, although some research has associated TNF inhibitors with small increases in body weight. In some cases, gaining weight may instead reflect improved control of chronic inflammation, changes in appetite, increased activity, lifestyle changes, or another medication or health condition.
If your weight is changing unexpectedly while taking Humira, don’t stop the medication on your own. Discuss the change with your healthcare provider so they can determine the underlying cause and recommend an appropriate approach.
Source: SingleCare