We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!
Corticosteroids and weight loss?
catrinadaniels
Posts: 40
Since I know a lot of people familiar with prednisone and the corticosteroid shot, I need to ask something. It's been about two to three years since I had it, and following it I had a cushing's reaction. I gained something insane, like 40 pounds in two weeks. Now, I was on other meds, all of which I've removed from my body at this point.
Recently, like around December last year, (I guess nearly a year ago!) I got off my remaining medications completely, then restarted with help from a doctor in the UK (same meds). Suddenly, and I mean suddenly, I lost 7 pounds in a week. I'm wondering if it's a coincidence, as the corticosteroid shot messes up your adrenals for around two years, or if it was something else. My sugar levels have returned to normal (except under extreme stress) which is a pretty big sign that cushings was part of the issue.
This comes down to this point I'm trying to get to. Today I've been on steroids for three days for a cold. I take a very low dose just to maintain my asthma during colds. I normally would expect to gain weight and look puffy on it, but instead, I checked and lost 4 pounds in about a week.
Normal?
Recently, like around December last year, (I guess nearly a year ago!) I got off my remaining medications completely, then restarted with help from a doctor in the UK (same meds). Suddenly, and I mean suddenly, I lost 7 pounds in a week. I'm wondering if it's a coincidence, as the corticosteroid shot messes up your adrenals for around two years, or if it was something else. My sugar levels have returned to normal (except under extreme stress) which is a pretty big sign that cushings was part of the issue.
This comes down to this point I'm trying to get to. Today I've been on steroids for three days for a cold. I take a very low dose just to maintain my asthma during colds. I normally would expect to gain weight and look puffy on it, but instead, I checked and lost 4 pounds in about a week.
Normal?
0
Replies
-
Late but, I feel you. I have to go on oral Prednisone when my asthma gets really bad. The first time I was on it I didn't know what it did to one's appetite/metabolism, and I gained 10 pounds in a week!
In addition to completely screwing up my appetite it also makes me REALLY REALLY irritable.
What I like to do is increase my corticosteroid inhaler during colds, instead of going on oral steroids. I normally take Advair 250/50, but when I'm battling a cold (or other asthma trigger) I jump up to the higher dose of 500/50. It's really helped me avoid prednisone - haven't had to take it in 3 or 4 years now!
Good luck! I hope things have resolved back to normal for you. 0
This discussion has been closed.