Does lupus make you gain weight?

Weight changes — Lupus can sometimes cause weight loss or weight gain. Weight loss may be unintentional and due to decreased appetite or problems with the digestive system (see 'Digestive system' below). It can also be a side effect of some medications used to treat lupus.

Do people with lupus struggle to lose weight?

In addition to lupus symptoms, many also struggle with their weight. Obesity is more common in people with lupus than the general population. Being overweight but having a body mass index below 30 can still cause serious problems for people with lupus.

Can lupus cause unexplained weight gain?

Kidney problems.

Half of people with lupus also have kidney problems, called lupus nephritis. Symptoms include weight gain, swollen ankles, high blood pressure, and decreased kidney function.

Why is it hard to lose weight with lupus?

It is believed that lupus interferes with either production of leptin or how it is used by the body, causing decreased appetite and increased energy use. Some people with lupus gain weight before diagnosis, often because kidney disease is causing salt and water retention.

Does lupus make you puffy?

Swelling causes

Swelling caused by lupus usually appears in the feet, ankles, legs, and eyelids, but may occur across the whole body. Swelling can be a sign of a more serious condition, lupus nephritis. Lupus nephritis most often begins to affect people with lupus between ages 20 and 40.

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What are the signs lupus is getting worse?

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if: Your symptoms get worse or you develop any new symptoms. These may include aching or swollen joints, increased fatigue, loss of appetite, hair loss, skin rashes, or new sores in your mouth or nose.

How does lupus change your appearance?

Lupus can also drastically change one's appearance. Patients can have hair loss, rashes and scarring, as well as medication side effects like weight gain, hair loss and stretch marks,” says Dr. Jolly, who has led a number of studies on body image in people with lupus.

What is lupus hair?

But some people with lupus develop round (discoid) lesions on the scalp. Because these discoid lesions scar your hair follicles, they do cause permanent hair loss. Lupus can also cause the scalp hair along your hairline to become fragile and break off easily, leaving you with a ragged appearance known as lupus hair.

Does lupus qualify for disability?

For Social Security's purposes, lupus qualifies as a disability when it meets these conditions: It involves two or more organs or body systems. It includes at least two major signs or symptoms, such as severe fatigue, fever, malaise, and involuntary weight loss.

How can I prevent weight gain with lupus?

Low-impact exercise like walking, swimming, or gentle yoga can help. And while there is no special diet for people with lupus, it is important to eat well-balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

What are weird symptoms of lupus?

One person with lupus may experience malar rashes, kidney involvement, and memory loss, while another can have seizures, pleurisy, or hair loss. Though any of these symptoms could be a manifestation of lupus, they also could signal another, problem.

What is the number one symptom of lupus?

The most common lupus symptoms (which are the same for men and women) are: Extreme fatigue (feeling tired all the time) Pain or swelling in the joints. Swelling in the hands, feet, or around the eyes.

What are the early signs of lupus in females?

Common symptoms include fatigue, hair loss, sun sensitivity, painful and swollen joints, unexplained fever, skin rashes, and kidney problems. There is no one test for SLE. Usually, your doctor will ask you about your family and personal medical history and your symptoms. Your doctor will also do some laboratory tests.

Does lupus make you hungry?

Weight changes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease

Often, people with lupus experience weight loss or gain due to loss of appetite, unhealthy dietary habits, or decreased energy and mobility. If you experience weight loss or loss of appetite, talk to your doctor.

What foods trigger lupus flare ups?

Foods High in Cholesterol and Saturated Fats

Heart attack risk is 50 times higher in people with lupus, so patients with lupus should be extra vigilant against foods with known links to heart disease, such as red meat, fried foods, and dairy.

Can you drink alcohol with lupus?

Most people with lupus who are old enough to drink alcohol can do so in moderation. Be aware, however, that alcohol can change the way the body uses or metabolizes certain medications, rushing them into the bloodstream. This can intensify both the good and not-so-good effects of medications.

Can I get a blue badge if I have lupus?

If you're disabled or have a health condition that affects your mobility, you can apply for a Blue Badge. You can also apply for a badge if you care for a child with a health condition that affects their mobility.

What jobs to avoid with lupus?

Many lupus patients aren't able to do intensive physical work, like waitressing or working in a grocery store. Jobs that involve standing for long periods, like working a cash register, greeting customers, or being a hostess at a restaurant, can be physically tiring as well as rough on the joints.

Is lupus considered a terminal illness?

With close follow-up and treatment, 80-90% of people with lupus can expect to live a normal life span. It is true that medical science has not yet developed a method for curing lupus, and some people do die from the disease. However, for the majority of people living with the disease today, it will not be fatal.

What are three triggers of lupus?

Common triggers include:

Overwork and not enough rest. Being out in the sun or having close exposure to fluorescent or halogen light. Infection. Injury.

Does lupus affect the stomach?

Lupus can also cause other problems in the abdomen, including peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining) and ascites (a build-up of fluids in the abdomen). Symptoms of peritonitis and ascites include: Abdominal pain and swelling. Nausea and vomiting.

Does lupus affect your brain?

Lupus can affect both the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system. Lupus may attack the nervous system via antibodies that bind to nerve cells or the blood vessels that feed them, or by interrupting the blood flow to nerves.

Does lupus mess with your face?

Thick, scaly patch of skin (discoid lupus)

People who have discoid lupus develop these patches. Most patches appear on the face, scalp, or ears, but patches can develop elsewhere on the skin. Without prompt treatment, these patches tend to stay on the skin for a long time — sometimes for years.

Does lupus bloat your face?

You may have no indication of kidney problems, but some related symptoms are weight gain, high blood pressure, and swelling in your face, legs, and/or fingers.

What are the four stages of lupus?