Weight loss, disease activity, and patient reported outcomes in patients with musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases taking weight loss medications: a retrospective cohort study
Main finding · Change in PAS-II with ≥5 % weight lossResult — go to the resultAdjusted B −0.12 95 % CI −0.17 to −0.067Authors' conclusion
Among participants with RMDs that reported weight loss medication use, ≥5 % weight loss was associated with statistically significant improvements in patient-reported disease activity and quality of life PROs.
Study context
- Population
- Participants with rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease (RMDs) enrolled in the FORWARD Databank reporting weight loss medication use24,484 observations
- Participants
- 3,868 participants
- Exposure
- ≥5 % weight loss vs less weight loss over a 6-month period
- ≥5 % weight lossn = 2,603
- Outcome
- Changes in PROs and disease activity (PAS-II)
- Follow-up
- 6 months
Methodological detailsgeneralized estimating equations, adjusted for prior 6-month PRO, BMI, diabetes status, age, sex
- Generalized estimating equations
- Adjusted for prior 6-month PRO, BMI, diabetes status, age, sex
Main finding
Change in PAS-II with ≥5 % weight loss
Adjusted B
−0.12
95 % CI −0.17 to −0.067
P < 0.001
Events by group
≥5 % weight loss
10.5 %
2603
As reported in the abstract
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Effect modification by BMI and condition
- Those who lost ≥5 % of weight more likely to improve in PAS-II and patient reported outcomes (PROs) if obese, independent of diagnosis
Original publication
Weight loss, disease activity, and patient reported outcomes in patients with musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases taking weight loss medications: a retrospective cohort study. Semin Arthritis Rheum. Published 16 July 2025. doi:10.
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