Bimzelx (bimekizumab) is a prescription biologic medication used to treat various inflammatory conditions, including moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. Its primary function is to target and block two key inflammatory proteins in the immune system, interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-17F, which helps to reduce the inflammation driving these diseases. Given its effect on the immune system, it's natural for patients to question how the medication might impact other bodily functions, including metabolism and body weight.
The mechanism of action and its implications for weight
Bimzelx is a targeted biologic, meaning it works by affecting a specific part of the immune system to reduce inflammation. It is not a weight loss drug, nor is it designed to impact metabolism in a way that causes weight reduction. Its purpose is to modulate the inflammatory response to address the underlying disease, not to alter energy expenditure or appetite in a manner that leads to weight loss. Bimzelx is metabolized, or broken down, into small peptides by catabolic pathways, which is a normal process for a monoclonal antibody. This is different from how a drug would function if it were intended to affect weight or metabolism directly.
Clinical trial evidence on Bimzelx and weight loss
Clinical studies are a crucial source of information for understanding a drug's effects. The evidence from these trials indicates that neither weight gain nor weight loss were reported as direct side effects for Bimzelx. In other words, a patient should not expect to lose weight simply by taking this medication. The focus of the clinical trials was to evaluate Bimzelx's efficacy and safety in treating inflammatory diseases, and no significant or consistent trend toward weight change was observed as a direct result of the treatment itself.
Indirect causes of weight loss while on Bimzelx
While Bimzelx itself does not directly cause weight loss, some of its potential side effects can lead to a reduced appetite, which may result in weight loss. These are typically secondary effects of another health issue that Bimzelx can cause or worsen.
- Infections: Bimzelx works by suppressing a part of the immune system, which can increase the risk of infections. Symptoms of an infection can include a decreased appetite, which in turn may cause a person to lose weight. For example, some patients have experienced upper respiratory tract infections, oral thrush (oral candidiasis), or gastroenteritis, which can all affect a person's desire to eat.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): In some cases, IL-17 inhibitors like Bimzelx have been associated with cases of inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Symptoms of IBD can include diarrhea, stomach pain, and a loss of appetite, all of which could lead to unintentional weight loss.
Comparing direct and indirect effects on body weight
This table outlines the distinction between direct pharmacological effects and potential indirect effects associated with taking Bimzelx.
| Feature | Direct Effect of Bimzelx | Indirect Effects on Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Targets and blocks IL-17A and IL-17F to reduce inflammation. | Secondary consequence of other side effects, such as infections or IBD. |
| Intent | To treat inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, arthritis, etc.. | Not intended or designed to affect body weight. |
| Clinical Findings | No direct weight gain or loss was reported in trials. | Unintentional weight loss can be a symptom of an underlying issue. |
| Related Symptoms | Relief from inflammatory symptoms (e.g., plaques, joint pain). | Decreased appetite, stomach pain, diarrhea, or signs of infection. |
A note on dosage and body weight
For patients with a higher body weight (120 kg or more) who have plaque psoriasis and have not achieved a complete response, a more frequent dosage regimen may be considered after 16 weeks. This is not an indication that Bimzelx causes weight loss, but rather an adjustment in dosing to improve the drug's effectiveness in larger individuals based on how the body processes the medication.
Conclusion: can you lose weight on Bimzelx?
To answer the question directly, Bimzelx is not a weight loss medication and does not cause weight loss as a primary or direct side effect. If you experience unexplained weight changes while on Bimzelx, it is likely an indirect result of another underlying issue, such as an infection or an IBD flare-up. It is crucial to monitor for other symptoms, such as fever, diarrhea, or severe stomach pain, and to speak with your healthcare provider promptly about any concerning or unexpected weight changes. They can help determine the cause and recommend the appropriate next steps to manage your health.
