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News
In patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA), obesity is far more common than sarcopenia and is strongly tied to worse physical performance. A new study found that higher daily physical activity independently predicted better muscle composition, grip strength, and overall function. The findings highlight the need to address obesity and promote active lifestyles in this patient population.
A new cross-sectional study of 213 adults with spondyloarthritis (SpA) — including axial SpA and psoriatic arthritis — found that obesity is the dominant body composition concern, affecting over half of both male and female patients. Sarcopenia, by contrast, was rare, occurring in just 0%–6.3% of the cohort. Obesity was consistently linked to poorer physical performance across multiple measures, including slower gait speed and lower scores on standardized physical performance tests.
Patients who were more physically active in their daily lives fared significantly better — showing lower fat mass, better muscle-to-BMI ratios, stronger grip, and faster performance times. These associations held up even after adjusting for other variables, underscoring the independent role of physical activity in maintaining function. Notably, men on TNF inhibitors had lower body fat and less obesity than those on conventional therapy, though no similar difference was seen in women.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: For rheumatologists and primary care providers managing SpA patients, these findings reinforce that tackling obesity and encouraging daily movement should be central to treatment plans — not just disease-modifying drugs.
