Does Skyrizi Cause Weight Gain?
Skyrizi (risankizumab) does not list weight gain as a common side effect in its prescribing information or clinical trial data. Phase 3 trials for psoriasis and Crohn's disease reported weight gain in less than 1% of patients, similar to placebo rates.[1][2] Post-marketing reports occasionally mention it, but no causal link is established.
How Common Is Weight Gain on Skyrizi?
In pooled safety data from over 5,000 patients across indications:
- Psoriasis trials: 0.4% reported weight increase vs. 0.5% on placebo.
- Crohn's trials: 1.2% vs. 0.9% placebo.
These rates are not statistically significant, suggesting no direct drug effect.[2][3] Patient forums like Drugs.com note rare anecdotal complaints, often tied to diet or comorbidities rather than Skyrizi.[4]
Why Might Some Patients Report Weight Gain?
Indirect factors play a role:
- Reduced inflammation improves appetite in Crohn's or psoriasis patients.
- Lifestyle changes post-treatment, like less pain enabling more eating or less activity.
- Concurrent meds (e.g., steroids) or conditions like hypothyroidism can contribute.
No mechanism in Skyrizi's IL-23 inhibition pathway promotes fat storage or metabolism changes.[1][5]
How Does Skyrizi Compare to Other Biologics for Weight Changes?
| Drug | Weight Gain Frequency | Notes |
|------|-----------------------|-------|
| Skyrizi (risankizumab) | <1% | Matches placebo. |
| Stelara (ustekinumab) | 1-2% | Similar low rate. |
| Humira (adalimumab) | 2-5% | Slightly higher, possibly from broader TNF effects. |
| Cosentyx (secukinumab) | <1% | Comparable to Skyrizi. |
| Tremfya (guselkumab) | 0.5-1% | Closest competitor, no difference. |
Skyrizi has one of the lowest profiles among IL-23/IL-17 inhibitors.[2][6]
What Do Patients Ask About Managing Weight on Skyrizi?
Track BMI before and during treatment. Doctors recommend monitoring diet and exercise, especially if baseline obesity exists. No dosage adjustments for weight. Report unexplained gain >5% body weight promptly to rule out other causes.[1][3]
When Should You Worry About Weight Gain?
Sudden or rapid gain (>10 lbs in a month) warrants checking for edema, heart issues, or thyroid problems—not typical for Skyrizi. Long-term data (up to 5 years) shows no cumulative risk.[5]
[1]: Skyrizi Prescribing Information (FDA)
[2]: ClinicalTrials.gov - NCT02684397 (Psoriasis)
[3]: ClinicalTrials.gov - NCT03105128 (Crohn's)
[4]: Drugs.com - Skyrizi Reviews
[5]: AbbVie Safety Profile Summary
[6]: JAMA Dermatology - Biologic Safety Meta-Analysis (2022)