Obesity in Rheumatic Diseases: More than just a Comorbidity

RheumThoughts: Obesity in Rheumatic Diseases: More than just a Comorbidity

Marina Magrey, MD

Sep 15, 2026 7:58 am

A few years ago, when I would see a patient with rheumatic disease and increased BMI, I would often document it as obesity as a comorbidity, recommend weight loss and exercise, and then move on. However, in the last few years as there is emerging evidence about the role of obesity disease in rheumatic diseases and also that it can be modified now, my approach has changed.

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Marina Magrey, MD (2 Posts)

Marina Magrey, MD, is Division Chief of Rheumatology at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and a Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Dr. Magrey's scholarship focuses on the management of axial spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis and metabolic bone disease to improve outcomes in patients.