Lifestyle Factors and Their Influence on Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Narrative Review

In recent years, a possible association of lifestyle factors with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has attracted increasing public interest. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the extent and the limitations of current evidence regarding lifestyle factors and RA. The PubMed medical database was screened for epidemiological and prospective studies investigating the contribution of lifestyle factors to the development and the course of the disease. Large epidemiological studies have identified smoking, unhealthy diet and adiposity, as well as a low educational level and low socioeconomic status, as factors that increase the incidence of RA. In addition, several lifestyle habits influence the response of RA to antirheumatic drugs. Among others, smoking, obesity and poor physical activity are associated with a worse treatment outcome. Methodological problems often impair firm conclusions with respect to the causal role of these factors in the risk and the course of RA. However, current evidence is sufficient to recommend a healthy diet, the prevention of obesity, the cessation of smoking and the maintenance of a high level of physical activity to support the effectivity of modern antirheumatic medication.

Automated summary

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the potential association between lifestyle factors and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Research has identified smoking, unhealthy diet, obesity, low educational level, and low socioeconomic status as factors that increase the incidence of RA. Additionally, lifestyle habits such as smoking and lack of physical activity can impact the response to treatment for RA. However, methodological challenges make it difficult to draw firm conclusions about the causal role of these factors in the risk and course of RA.