Risk Factors for Rheumatoid Arthritis

-Age. The onset of RA is highest among adults in their 50s. Risk continues to increase with age for people assigned male at birth. RA often occurs in people assigned female at birth during their child-bearing years.

-Sex. People assigned female at birth are two to three times more likely to develop RA than people assigned male at birth.

-Genetics. People born with certain genes, called HLA class II genotypes, are more likely to develop RA. The risk of RA may be highest when people with these genes have obesity or are exposed to environmental factors like smoking.

-History of live births. People with ovaries who have never given birth may be at a greater risk of developing RA than those who have given birth.

-Early life exposure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children whose mothers smoked have double the risk of developing RA as adults.

-Smoking. Studies show that people who smoke cigarettes are at an increased risk of developing RA.

-Obesity. Having obesity can increase the risk of developing RA.

-Diet. High consumption of sodium, sugar (especially fructose), red meat, and iron is associated with an increased risk of developing RA.

Read more at: https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis