There are a number of risk factors that may predispose someone to develop RA. They include older age, family history of the disease, smoking, and obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women are 2-3 times more likely to develop that condition than men. Research also shows that non-Hispanic African Americans may have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is likely related to disparities in access to quality care for people from historically marginalized groups.