Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

After substantial weight loss from bariatric surgery, RA patients had lower disease activity, decreased serum inflammatory markers, and less RA-related medication use. Weight loss may be an important nonpharmacologic strategy to reduce RA disease activity. However, other factors, such as improved efficacy of medications, improved physical activity, and metabolic changes, may also have contributed to these postsurgical improvements.