Are you experiencing appetite changes with lupus? This is actually a really common concern — and there are several reasons it can happen.
Appetite issues with lupus can show up in different ways, from having no desire to eat, to intense cravings (looking at you, prednisone 🍪). Here are some of the most common causes:
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Are you experiencing appetite changes with lupus? This is actually a really common concern — and there are several reasons it can happen.
Appetite issues with lupus can show up in different ways, from having no desire to eat, to intense cravings (looking at you, prednisone 🍪). Here are some of the most common causes:
- Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil): Loss of appetite is a listed side effect. Some people also experience nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps, especially when first starting the medication.
- Corticosteroids (like prednisone): These can swing appetite in either direction — increasing cravings or, for some, reducing the desire to eat altogether.
- Mouth ulcers: About 25% of people with lupus develop mouth sores during flares, making eating painful and something to avoid.
- Peptic ulcers: NSAIDs and corticosteroids used to treat lupus can cause stomach lining sores, which can make eating uncomfortable.
- Depression or anxiety: Both are common with lupus and can significantly reduce appetite.
- Fatigue: Sometimes just the effort of preparing food feels like too much. A MyLupusTeam member shared a helpful tip: eating lighter foods like yogurt with fruit during low-appetite periods can help keep nutrition up without feeling overwhelming.
Some practical strategies to manage appetite changes include:
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals
- Focusing on nutrient-dense foods
- Keeping a symptom journal to help identify patterns or medication connections
- Asking for a referral to a dietitian for personalized guidance
It's important not to stop any medications suddenly — this can actually make appetite issues worse. Instead, talk to your rheumatologist about any changes you're noticing so you can work together on a plan.
October 13
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