Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s moisture-producing glands, primarily those that make tears and saliva. Weight changes are a frequent concern for individuals managing autoimmune diseases. Although the disease itself does not directly cause weight gain, several related factors and treatments can lead to an increase in body mass.
How Sjogren’s Affects Metabolism and Appetite
The underlying inflammation characteristic of Sjögren’s syndrome can disrupt the body’s normal metabolic processes and energy balance. Chronic systemic inflammation produces an excess of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules, which interfere with hormones that regulate appetite and energy expenditure. This disruption may lead to a decrease in the overall metabolic rate and sometimes an increase in appetite.
Chronic inflammation can contribute to insulin resistance, where the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin. Insulin resistance promotes the storage of excess fat.
The primary symptoms of Sjögren’s, such as severe dry mouth, can make chewing and swallowing difficult. Gastrointestinal issues, including acid reflux and abdominal pain, can also reduce appetite and food consumption, often leading to weight loss or maintenance rather than weight gain.
Factors Contributing to Unexpected Weight Increase
The most significant cause of weight gain for individuals with Sjögren’s syndrome is often the medication used to manage the symptoms and systemic inflammation. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are frequently prescribed to control flares and serious organ involvement, and they are well-known to cause weight gain. These medications work by altering the body’s chemistry, leading to fluid retention and increased appetite.
Corticosteroids change how the body stores fat, promoting accumulation in the face, neck, and abdomen, which results in a characteristic change in body shape. Long-term use and higher doses of these steroid medications are more likely to result in substantial weight gain, affecting up to 70% of people who take them long-term.
Certain immunosuppressant drugs and some treatments for depression or anxiety, which are conditions often experienced alongside Sjögren’s, can also contribute to increased body weight.
Beyond medication, the chronic symptoms of Sjögren’s can dramatically impact lifestyle and activity levels, leading to a reduced caloric expenditure. Chronic fatigue, joint pain, and muscle weakness are common complaints that limit physical activity, making it easier to gain weight.
The reduced mobility and energy from these symptoms directly decrease the number of calories burned daily, creating an energy surplus that results in weight gain.
Sjögren’s syndrome often occurs alongside other autoimmune conditions, which may independently contribute to weight gain. Autoimmune thyroid diseases, particularly Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, are frequently associated with Sjögren’s.
Hashimoto’s leads to hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, which causes the body’s metabolism to slow down. Common symptoms include fatigue and weight gain, making screening for these overlapping conditions important for identifying the source of weight increase.
Strategies for Weight Management with Sjogren’s
Managing weight with Sjögren’s requires adapting lifestyle changes to accommodate the unique symptoms of the condition. Dietary modifications should prioritize nutrient-dense foods that are easy to swallow and chew, counteracting the challenges of dry mouth.
To maintain proper nutrition without excessive calorie intake, consider incorporating:
- Moist cooking methods.
- Adding sauces or gravies.
- Consuming soft foods like soups and stews.
- Smoothies.
Hydration is a core strategy for Sjögren’s and also supports weight management by promoting satiety and overall metabolic function. A balanced diet that includes anti-inflammatory foods, such as those rich in omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, may help to dampen chronic inflammation. These changes are particularly important for patients taking corticosteroids, as a healthy diet can help mitigate the drug’s effects on appetite and fat storage.
Exercise plans must be modified to account for the common symptoms of chronic fatigue, joint pain, and muscle weakness. Low-impact activities, such as walking, water aerobics, or gentle stretching, allow for calorie expenditure without placing undue stress on the joints. Consistent, moderate activity is more sustainable than intense exercise, making it a more practical approach for long-term weight control.
Consulting with a rheumatologist is important to review any medications that may be contributing to weight gain, as dosage adjustments or alternative drug regimens may be possible. It is also essential to have routine screenings for secondary conditions like thyroid dysfunction, as treating an underlying hypothyroidism can directly address a metabolic cause of weight increase. A multi-faceted approach involving medical oversight, dietary adjustments, and modified physical activity is the most effective way to manage weight while living with Sjögren’s syndrome.