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Monday, October 12, 2009

Why does prednisone make you gain weight?

I've been on a tapering does of prednisone for 6 days and gained 14 pounds. I'm taking it for another 15 days now. The doctor told me my sudden weight gain was because of the prednisone. Why does prednisone do this?
Answer:
Prednisone is a glucocorticoid, one of many types of steroids. It suppresses the immune system, so it's typically used to treat disorders such as autoimmune illnesses or inflammation. There are many different types of steroids with lots of different functions, with very different side effects.Prednisone suppresses the adrenal gland, and this affects weight gain in a couple of ways. First of all, it causes fluid retention. Secondly, it affects insulin metabolism, making it harder for your body to process simple sugars, and causes insulin resistance (Type 2 diabetes) if you use it for a long time. Prednisone has lots of other side effects, and I'm glad you will be getting off of it!
It's a steroid and it's just one of the side effects. I've taken it before but I've never had that particular side effect with it, but I have had it with birth control pills, it's just how your body reacts to it.
Hi there i am a nurse and i have an easy answer for you..prednisone is a kind of steroid. all steriods make you gain weight as a side effect. for most people this side effect wears off after about a month of using the drug. some people still have the symptoms but not as bad. if you are on prednisone it is probably for a good reason which means you should keep taking it and dont stop just because of the weight.. however, if after 1 1/2 months you dont see a difference you should have your doctor change the dose you are taking..
hope this helps
Usually the most dreaded of prednisone's side-effects, increased appetite and weight gain are seen to some degree by nearly all patients. The amount of weight gain varies from individual to individual. In addition to causing weight gain, prednisone also tends to redistribute body fat to places that are undesirable, particularly the face (moon face), back of the neck (buffalo hump), and abdomen. The higher the dose and the longer the treatment, the greater the effect. To some extent these changes can be minimized by exercise and the dietary changes described below. If you find this confusing, a consultation with a registered dietitian or nutritionist may be helpful. Ask your doctor for a recommendation.
Prednisolone increases the sense of well being,stimulates appetite and reduces fluid excretion.So the weight gain.

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