Returning MyFitnessPal Alumni - Now on Prednisone

StephIntrepid
StephIntrepid Posts: 34 Member
edited November 17 in Health and Weight Loss
Long story short, I was very successful a few years ago in losing about 40 pounds with diet and exercise. I've kept it off, and am happy (most days) with my weight. Recently, there's been a diagnosis in need of long-term tapering doses of Prednisone (a corticosteroid).
The use of this medication was not a decision that my doc and I took lightly. It comes with a long list of possible side effects of varying severity. Included in those side effects are weight gain, brittle bones, diabetes, water retention, and on and on and on.

I've prepared myself by planning meals that follow a low-carb, low-sodium (to fight water retention) diet. I plan on eating small meals throughout the day. I have prepared myself for 4 months of a very restricted diet, which I view more as a part of my treatment plan, and not really as a diet. I'm hoping avoid the weight gain, which seems to be inevitable, in all of the research I've done.

Has anyone had success in avoiding weight gain while on Prednisone? What were tricks, tools, and eating plans you followed?

Have you had a bad experience with Prednisone? No offence, but I really don't want to hear more words of warning. I've heard warnings from the medical team, I've heard the warnings and seen the looks of pity and concern on the pharmacists' faces, and I've scared myself silly with all of the research I've done.

I want to encouraging words, if they exist. If you're a "unicorn" of sorts and had a not-so-bad experience with Prednisone, please tell me about your experience.

Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • lucypstacy
    lucypstacy Posts: 178 Member
    I've been on prednisone for almost 3 years. So far, I'm doing okay with losing weight despite it. I do have some water retention. The biggest difference I've noticed is that it's hard to tell when you're full. I just plan portions ahead of time.
  • nvmomketo
    nvmomketo Posts: 12,019 Member
    I did not gain much weight when I was on it but I did retain water, especially in the face area, which bugged me.

    I did end up with diabetes though... In hindsight I would have gone low carb while on it with the hopes of reducing insulin load, as well as reducing water retention.
  • fitmom4lifemfp
    fitmom4lifemfp Posts: 1,572 Member
    https://www.verywell.com/how-to-manage-weight-gain-from-prednisone-190238
  • Duchy82
    Duchy82 Posts: 560 Member
    I have never had it for longer than a couple of weeks at a time so I couldn't tell you if there would be a longterm effect of weight gain but if I do take it I never gain weight, that is one of the side effects I never have.
  • capaul42
    capaul42 Posts: 1,390 Member
    The only person I know who avoided large weight gain while taking prednisone was because they had crohn's and in the middle of bad flare up, could barely eat anything for more than a week.
  • vespiquenn
    vespiquenn Posts: 1,455 Member
    I will say that I absolutely hated being on it because of the side effects. I was able to get off, which I know isn't the case for many, and now I refuse it unless absolutely necessary.

    Other than horrible digestion problems, I noticed the increase in appetite. It got to the point that for a few weeks, I put myself on an eating schedule or I would've ate the entire house worth of food. It helped my mind get used to the hunger aspect. I can't say it ever got better, but I could manage.
  • JLASilver
    JLASilver Posts: 22 Member
    I was on it for a short period of time. I had awful acid reflux (which I already get frequently). I was also "starving"/always hungry with my stomach growling. I didn't gain any weight, as it was a very short time for an allergic reaction.
  • cmtigger
    cmtigger Posts: 1,450 Member
    I have only been on it short term, but hunger was an annoying side effect for me. I'm not sure how to control it other than being really strict with yourself.

    Hopefully you won't have a lot of side effects.
  • MarziPanda95
    MarziPanda95 Posts: 1,326 Member
    I was on very large doses for a long period of time when I started MFP. You will gain from water retention, but that's the only inevitable part. You won't gain any real weight, as in fat, unless you eat too much. I did at first because prednisone made me so hungry, but I managed to get it under control and lost 60lbs whilst still on the prednisone. Calories in vs calories out!
  • lucypstacy
    lucypstacy Posts: 178 Member
    Sadly, because I had a transplant. I'll never be off prednisone. It shall be my lifelong friend. When I went into rejection, they literally gave me steroids through I.V. Gives you the worst migraines ever.

    Honestly, I've gained a lot of weight, but I do think it was more of my eating habits then the medicine. When I get a bad case of the munchies, I chew ice. It sounds odd, but it really helps me.
  • megslh2016
    megslh2016 Posts: 8 Member
    I am sorry to hear about the need to get on prednisone. I too am on it (varying between 60mg-20mg) since early December and have been able to lose weight (about 35 lbs). I definitely have noticed an increase in appetite but as long as you're prepared and pack healthy snacks, it's controllable. Managing your sodium intake is also incredibly important with this in addition to sugar. As long as you know what to expect I think you'll do fine. I remember the anxiety of starting it because the internet is filled to the brim with people that have gained large amounts of weight but it is possible to lose weight AND be on prednisone. Take care of yourself and feel free to message me if you have any questions :)
  • toosa1
    toosa1 Posts: 3 Member
    I am in the same boat. I have gained about 20 lbs this past year from Prednisone. I'm short, so it looks like more to me. I want to try to lose it but am having a difficult time getting it to budge at all. It would be nice to have some friends who are in the same boat and understand. Good luck to you guys. I'm glad you have had some success.
  • StephIntrepid
    StephIntrepid Posts: 34 Member
    Ok kids, a week in and it seems like I armed myself with your words of encouragement and warning, and with a solid game plan of reduced calorie meals and lots of water. I'm down 5 pounds in a week of a 4 month course of steroids...we'll see what happens.
  • crackpotbaby
    crackpotbaby Posts: 1,297 Member
    Prednisone makes me manic. Fun times.
  • singingflutelady
    singingflutelady Posts: 8,736 Member
    I didn't gain any weight on prednisone when I was on it (and I was majorly underweight at the time) but i have crohn's so that might explain that)
  • cmtigger
    cmtigger Posts: 1,450 Member
    lizery wrote: »
    Prednisone makes me manic. Fun times.
    I'm not sure what kind of steroids my mom was on, but they make her mean. I hope she never goes back on them.
  • heiliskrimsli
    heiliskrimsli Posts: 735 Member
    toosa1 wrote: »
    I am in the same boat. I have gained about 20 lbs this past year from Prednisone. I'm short, so it looks like more to me. I want to try to lose it but am having a difficult time getting it to budge at all. It would be nice to have some friends who are in the same boat and understand. Good luck to you guys. I'm glad you have had some success.

    You cannot gain weight on prednisone (or any other drug) unless you overeat. Control your intake.
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