Prednisone is a prescription corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the body and is used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and polymyositis, according to "Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses." Though prednisone is effective, some of its side effects, including fluid retention and increased appetite, can make it challenging to lose weight, according to "Foundations and Adult Health Nursing." However, by making a few lifestyle and dietary changes, you can successfully lose weight while taking prednisone.
Step 1
Set realistic expectations of losing 1/2 lb. to 1 lb. per week. Though traditional weight loss recommendations are to lose 1/2 lb. to 2 lbs. per week, losing weight while taking prednisone can be more challenging and slower than losing weight without it. "Foundations and Adult Health Nursing," mentions that having a positive mindset and realistic expectations regarding weight loss are essential to long-term success.
Step 2
Reduce your sodium intake. According to "Contemporary Nutrition," consuming no more than 2,400mg of sodium daily will encourage your body not to retain excess fluid.
Step 3
Drink at least half the amount of water in ounces that you weigh in pounds. For example, if you weigh 150 lbs., drink at least 75 oz. of water each day. According to "Foundations and Adult Health Nursing," drinking this amount of water will allow your kidneys to flush out excess fluid and sodium.
Step 4
Consume potassium rich foods, such as bananas and apricots, which according to "Discovering Nutrition," will reduce fluid retention. Additionally, these foods are healthy snacks and fairly low in calories.
Step 5
Eat six small meals per day. According to "Discovering Nutrition," eating every few hours will help to stabilize your blood sugar levels and decrease food cravings, which can be particularly powerful when taking prednisone.
Step 6
Exercise for at least 30 minutes five days per week. According to "Foundations and Adult Health Nursing," partaking in regular exercise helps to reduce fluid retention and burn calories.
References
- "Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses"; Judish Hopfer Deglin; 2009
- "Contemporary Nutrition"; Gordon W. Wardlaw; 2010
- "Foundations and Adult Health Nursing"; Barbara Christensen; 2006
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