A new program called “Living Well with Lupus” tested whether exercise and nutrition advice could help people with lupus feel better. Researchers in Brazil worked with 80 adults who had lupus and heart disease risk for 6 months. Some people followed the new program with home exercises and nutrition coaching, while others received standard care. The program helped reduce fatigue and improved how much physical activity people could do without problems. This suggests that lifestyle changes might be a helpful tool for lupus patients to feel better and have more energy.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a program combining home exercise and nutrition counseling could help people with lupus feel better, have more energy, and improve their quality of life.
  • Who participated: 80 adults with lupus who also had a higher risk of heart disease. The study took place in São Paulo, Brazil, from August 2020 to March 2023.
  • Key finding: People in the exercise and nutrition program had significantly less fatigue and better physical functioning compared to those receiving standard care. The improvements were meaningful and measurable.
  • What it means for you: If you have lupus, adding a structured exercise program and nutrition guidance may help you feel less tired and be able to do more physical activities. However, this is one study, so talk with your doctor before starting any new program.

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is one of the strongest types of research studies. Researchers randomly divided 80 people with lupus into two groups: one group followed the “Living Well with Lupus” program for 6 months, while the other group received their usual medical care. The LWWL program included personalized goal-setting, home-based exercises that people could do at their own pace, and counseling from a nutritionist about healthy eating. By comparing the two groups after 6 months, researchers could see if the program actually made a difference.

The study measured several things related to how people felt and functioned: tiredness levels, quality of life, mood, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality. Researchers used standard questionnaires that doctors use all the time to measure these things, so the results are comparable to other studies.

Using a randomized controlled trial design is important because it helps prove that the program actually caused the improvements, not just that people who exercise happen to feel better anyway. By randomly assigning people to groups, researchers made sure both groups were similar at the start. This makes it much harder for other factors to explain the results.

This study has several strengths: it used a randomized design, included standard measurement tools that are widely accepted, and had a reasonable sample size. However, some people dropped out (12 from the intervention group and 6 from the control group), which is normal but can affect results. The study was conducted in one location in Brazil, so results might be different in other countries or populations. The study focused on secondary outcomes (wellbeing measures) rather than major health outcomes, which is still valuable but represents a first step in understanding the program’s benefits.

What the Results Show

The Living Well with Lupus program showed clear benefits in two important areas. First, people in the program experienced significantly less fatigue compared to those receiving standard care. This is important because fatigue is one of the most bothersome symptoms for lupus patients and affects their daily life.

Second, people in the program improved in their ability to do physical activities and work-related tasks without problems. This means they could do more things they wanted to do without their lupus getting in the way. These improvements were statistically significant, meaning they’re unlikely to have happened by chance.

The study also found hints that the program may have improved mood and strength, though these improvements weren’t as clear-cut as the fatigue and physical function improvements. This suggests the program might have broader benefits beyond just reducing tiredness.

While the program didn’t show significant improvements in overall quality of life scores, anxiety, depression, or sleep quality, this doesn’t mean it had no effect on these areas. The improvements in fatigue and physical function likely contribute to better overall wellbeing, even if the general quality of life measures didn’t show big changes. Sometimes specific improvements (like less fatigue) matter more to patients than overall scores.

This study adds important new evidence because lifestyle interventions for lupus patients haven’t been studied much before. Most lupus treatment focuses on medications. This research suggests that adding exercise and nutrition support to standard medical care could be a valuable addition. The findings align with what we know from other chronic disease research—that exercise and good nutrition help people feel better and function better.

The study had some limitations worth knowing about. Some participants dropped out or didn’t complete follow-up assessments, which can affect results. The study only lasted 6 months, so we don’t know if benefits continue longer or if people can stick with the program over years. The study was done in Brazil, so results might be different in other countries with different healthcare systems or cultures. The program required people to do home exercises and attend nutrition counseling, so it may work better for people who are motivated and have time for these activities. Finally, the study measured wellbeing outcomes rather than major health outcomes like heart disease or lupus flares, so we don’t yet know if these improvements translate to preventing serious health problems.

The Bottom Line

If you have lupus and high heart disease risk, talk with your doctor about adding a structured exercise program and nutrition counseling to your care. The evidence suggests this approach may reduce fatigue and improve your ability to do physical activities. Start slowly with exercise and work with healthcare providers to create a plan that fits your energy levels and symptoms. Moderate confidence: This is based on one good-quality study, so more research would strengthen these recommendations.

This research is most relevant for adults with lupus who experience fatigue or have difficulty with physical activities. It’s especially important for those with high heart disease risk, since the program was designed for this group. People with lupus who are stable on their medications and want to feel better might benefit most. If you have severe lupus symptoms, active disease flares, or other serious health conditions, work closely with your doctor before starting any new exercise program.

Based on this study, you might expect to notice improvements in fatigue and physical ability within 6 months of starting the program. However, some people may notice changes sooner (within weeks), while others might take longer. Consistency is important—the program works best if you stick with it regularly rather than doing it sporadically.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your fatigue level daily on a scale of 1-10 and note what activities you were able to do each day. Also track your exercise minutes and note what type of exercise you did. This creates a clear picture of how the program is working for you over time.
  • Use the app to set specific, achievable exercise goals (like 20 minutes of walking 3 times per week) and track completion. Set reminders for nutrition-related goals, such as drinking enough water or eating a certain number of vegetables daily. Log your energy levels before and after exercise to see the connection.
  • Review your fatigue and activity logs weekly to see trends. Every 2 weeks, assess whether you’re able to do more physical activities than before. Every month, rate your overall energy level and physical function. Share these trends with your healthcare provider to adjust the program if needed.

This research describes the effects of a specific lifestyle intervention program for lupus patients. These findings should not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider. Lupus is a serious condition that requires ongoing medical management and monitoring. Before starting any new exercise program or making significant dietary changes, consult with your doctor or rheumatologist, especially if you have active lupus symptoms, are taking medications that affect exercise tolerance, or have other health conditions. This study was conducted in one location and involved a specific population, so results may not apply to everyone with lupus. Individual results vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.