Newbie with a medicine question

They make my skin feel like it's ripping off my body ... so even if prescribed, I'll fight with the doctor to not take them. So I'm a bad person to ask. But when I took them (for 4 days) I went from 190 to 215. So I understand.

That said, they're the reason I came to MFP ... so maybe they're a Godsend. To me.

I hope someone has a real answer for you! Good luck and welcome

Prednisone causes the body to retain sodium (salt) and lose potassium. This combination can result in fluid retention, weight gain, and bloating. Measures that can be used to avoid fluid retention in the first place are eating a reduced sodium diet and increasing potassium intake through potassium-rich foods (such as bananas, cantaloupe, grapefruit, and lima beans).

Higher calorie consumption is also typical while taking prednisone because the drug can cause an increase in appetite. Some tips to avoid gaining weight include decreasing calories consumed each day, decreasing fat, and eating several small meals a day instead of 3 large ones.

Many people are taking prednisone due to an inflammatory condition or a chronic condition. These conditions often make physical activity difficult. When possible, physical activity can help prevent or lessen the weight gain from prednisone.

Prednisone can also cause the redistribution of fat, which makes even a small amount weight gain more intolerable. The weight tends to be located in the face, back of the neck, and the abdomen.

The good news is that this side effect tends to reverse when the dosage of prednisone is taken below 10 mg/day. The fluid retention and increased appetite will decrease. Any weight gain, however, will not reverse itself. Sticking to a healthful eating plan and getting regular exercise will be needed to take off the pounds. It will be easier to do both of these things when the underlying condition for which the prednisone was prescribed is resolved, or under control.

Your physician can recommend the best diet and fitness plan that works with your particular lifestyle and any medical conditions. Unfortunately, there is no easy road to weight loss, which is why so many diet plans and pills that promise a quick weight loss.

The best way to lose weight, however, is still through a healthy lifestyle: reducing calorie consumption and getting regular exercise. Weight loss should be slow and steady to give the best chance of losing the pounds permanently.

~www.ibdchrons.com

I take prednisone often due to severe allergies, and I HATE:grumble: the way it makes me feel, and it does not take long(4-6days) to see a weight difference...I chew A LOT of gum when I am on that:laugh: ...I hate having a puffy face because I need meds to breathe...arg...stupid drug is also a lifesaver:flowerforyou: My Dr told me to set snacks aside, and to STOP eating after 7pm, and to put a note on the fridge...THE MEDS ARE MAKING YOU HUNGRY...YOU ARE NOT REALLY HUNGRY...I cannot tell you how many times I have laughed, then walked away from the kitchen!! (I have also spread my calories to 8 meals a day so I don't feel STARVING, like it makes you feel!!

Jenn - I love the note on the fridge idea.