Weight loss medications and arthritis
Weight loss medications: common questions
What are weight loss medications?
Weight loss medications are prescription medicines that can help people lose weight by reducing appetite and helping them feel fuller for longer. Some are injections and are known by brand names such as Mounjaro or Wegovy. Wegovy is also available as a tablet.
Why are people with arthritis asking about weight loss medication?
People living with arthritis and other musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions often ask about weight loss medication because body weight can affect joint pain, movement and overall physical comfort. Others are interested in broader health reasons or because weight is sometimes discussed when planning treatment or surgery.
Does having arthritis make someone eligible for weight loss medication on the NHS?
No. Having arthritis or another MSK condition on its own does not make someone eligible for weight loss medication on the NHS. To be eligible, you will need to be a certain body mass index (BMI) or have at least one weight-related health condition, like heart disease, type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
Access can also vary depending on where you live, local NHS services and whether treatment is provided through the NHS or privately.
Do weight loss medications affect arthritis?
Research into weight loss medications is still developing. At the moment, there’s limited evidence about how these medicines affect arthritis and other MSK conditions specifically.
Weight loss can improve pain and function in many people with osteoarthritis. But it's still unclear whether they have any direct effects on arthritis or inflammation beyond helping people lose weight.
Can I take weight loss medication with my arthritis medicines?
There’s currently limited research on the use of weight loss medicines with medicines for inflammatory arthritis, such as DMARDs and biologic medicines. If you’re taking these medicines and are considering weight loss medication, speak to your healthcare team first. They can check whether it’s suitable for you and whether any monitoring or changes to your treatment are needed.
Is it safe to use weight loss medication if you have arthritis?
Weight loss medications aren’t suitable for everyone. Arthritis UK recommends that anyone using, or thinking about using, these medicines does so with the support of a healthcare professional who understands their medical history.
They shouldn’t be taken without medical advice.
Who might weight loss medication not be suitable for?
Weight loss medication may not be recommended if you have certain health conditions. This can include some stomach or digestive conditions, a history of eating disorders or some hormone-related conditions.
These medicines aren’t usually recommended if you’re pregnant, planning a pregnancy, breastfeeding or have recently given birth. A healthcare professional can help you decide whether treatment is appropriate for you.
What side effects can weight loss medications cause?
Some people experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation or fatigue. In some cases, more serious side effects can occur.
Weight loss may include some loss of lean body mass as well as fat. Eating enough protein and doing strengthening or resistance exercise, where appropriate, may help reduce muscle loss.
Side effects of weight loss medication may also affect your nutrition, as the medicine affects your digestion and how many calories you consume. So, you may not get enough vitamins and minerals from your diet. You should speak to your healthcare team about your nutritional needs if you take weight loss medications.
Should weight loss medication be used on its own?
No. Weight loss medication should only be used under clinical supervision as part of personalised care.
This care should also include support with lifestyle approaches, such as eating well and staying physically active in ways that protect your joints.
This is because weight loss medication works best when it helps you build healthy lifestyle habits. It will make it easier to maintain your weight after you finish treatment.
Is follow-up needed after stopping weight loss medication?
Yes. national guidlines recommend that people using weight loss medication are monitored by a healthcare professional during treatment and after treatment stops.
This is important because many people regain weight once treatment ends, and ongoing support can help with longer-term health and wellbeing. Arthritis UK encourages anyone taking these medicines, whether privately or through the NHS, to stay in touch with their healthcare team while using them and after treatment stops.
Is it safe to buy weight loss medication online?
Some weight loss medications can be prescribed through trusted online prescribing services and pharmacies. But it's important to be aware that fake and unregulated medicines are also sold online.
Only buy weight loss medication from a regulated healthcare provider or pharmacy. If you're unsure whether a provider is genuine, check with your GP or pharmacist before ordering.
Check out the General Pharmaceutical Council’s guide to buying medicines online safely here.
Where can I find further support?
You may find Arthritis UK’s resources helpful. They offer practical, evidence-based advice to support joint health and overall wellbeing.
Your health and wellbeing
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Managing your weight
Eating a balanced diet and being physically active can help you maintain a healthy weight and put less stress on your joints.
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What is a balanced diet?
Important for your general health, a balanced diet involves eating a range of foods in the right amounts to stay healthy and maintain a good weight.
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Are there any foods that help with arthritis?
Research has shown that following a Mediterranean style diet is helpful for people with some types of arthritis and there are certain foods that are thought to reduce inflammation.