Lifestyle factors tied to rheumatoid arthritis

Prof Ian Bruce

A new study has shown that smoking, obesity and diabetes increase the likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, over 25,000 people aged 40 years to 79 years were involved in the study. A total of 184 participants who developed arthritis were compared to those who did not.

While smoking, obesity and diabetes increased the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, consuming a small amount of alcohol and being in a higher social class were associated with a lower probability of developing the disease.

Women who gave birth to more than two children and breastfed for a shorter amount of time also had a greater chance of rheumatoid arthritis.

The research, led by Prof Ian Bruce, helps to clarify the background of this chronic disease.

Previous research (published in the British Medical Journal) suggested that women who drink more than three alcoholic beverages a week for at least 10 years had a 50% lower risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis than women who drink no alcohol.

Elsewhere, a report found that women who breastfeed for a long time were less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.

It is hoped that the results of this study could be combined with previous findings and used to create a simple screening tool that doctors can use to identify patients who are more likely to get rheumatoid arthritis. They could then be advised on how to lower their risk of developing the disease.

“The factors we studied give us vital clues to the early events in the process that ends in someone developing rheumatoid arthritis,” says Prof Bruce. “They are also simple to ask about and can be used as part of a prevention programme.”