Unveiling Rheumatoid Arthritis: Recognizing the 10 Symptoms

6. Weight Loss

Another primary symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is weight loss, which can be multifactorial in its cause. Many people with RA receive medical treatment that adversely impacts their appetite and interest in food, so a loss of appetite is an obvious contributor to this symptom. Increased energy expenditure can also lead to weight loss and a reduction in body mass. Another potential cause of weight loss is impaired absorption of nutrients from food. RA can also cause weight gain in many individuals. Researchers found that both weight loss and gain worsen rheumatoid arthritis.