How Lifestyle is linked to the Chance of Developing Arthritis

Sharon Moore March 19, 2013

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is the second most common type of arthritis in the UK, is a chronic and systemic inflammatory disease that may affect many tissues and organs, but normally attacks the joints.

For years, scientists have been trying to figure out its cause but have not succeeded. Nevertheless, identifying the risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis could increase the chance of prevention. And now, researchers have successfully determined who are at risk of developing this debilitating illness.

Researchers at Arthritis Research UK Epidemiology, National Institute of Health Research Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, have identified the key factors for rheumatoid arthritis. For the study, they looked at 25, 000 people ages 40 to 79. They have been followed for over a number of years to determine whether lifestyle has an effect to this disease, and if yes, what factors play a crucial role.

Among the participants, 184 developed RA over the course of the study. Based on their analysis, researchers found that those who smoke, who are overweight, and who have diabetes are at a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. On the other hand, consuming a little amount of alcohol and being in a higher social class were associated with lower risk of RA. Researchers also found that women who had more than two children and who breastfed were more likely to develop the disease.

According to the research team, led by Professor Ian Bruce, NIHR Senior Investigator and Professor of Rheumatology at The University of Manchester and consultant at Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, their findings can be used to develop a simple screening tool to detect who are at risk of developing RA, which GPs can use as basis for giving advice for patients and helping them reduce their risk.

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Research find links between lifestyle and developing rheumatoid arthritis