Prednisone is a corticosteroid commonly used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It works by decreasing inflammation within the joints, which helps to minimize the symptoms of pain, stiffness and immobility. But like many other prescription medications, prednisone isn't without its side effects. One of the more troubling is unintentional weight gain.
Weight Gain
According to John Hopkins Vasculitis Center, most people using prednisone as part of any treatment for a medical condition experience some level of weight gain. This is partly due to the medication stimulating the collection of fat along the abdomen, face and neck. But this weight gain can also be a result of water retention or an increase in appetite regularly seen in people taking this medication.
Dosage
Though the level of weight gain varies from person to person, the prescribed dosage of prednisone can influence the amount of pounds you gain. The Three Rivers Endoscopy Center for Digestive Health and Nutrition explains that the higher the dosage, the greater the effect; in other words, if you're taking a higher dosage of this corticosteroid, you're more likely to experience this particular side effect. Lowering the amount may help you shed the excess pounds.
Diet
Certain dietary changes can reduce weight gain and help encourage weight loss while taking this corticosteroid. The Three Rivers Endoscopy Center for Digestive Health and Nutrition recommends limiting your intake of fat, simple carbs and sodium. Foods high in fat tend to be higher in calories, so switching to low-fat options can help lower your caloric intake and promote weight loss.
Simple carbohydrates metabolize at much faster rates than complex carbohydrates, which can affect food cravings. By eating more fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains, you increase your intake of complex carbs, helping to reduce hunger. If you feel full longer, you're less likely to consume extra calories and thereby combat weight gain.
Reducing your intake of sodium does nothing to limit your caloric intake. However, this mineral does influence the amount of fluids in the body. Since prednisone can trigger water retention, diets high in sodium can compound the problem, causing you to retain more fluids and leading to additional pounds.
Eating Habits
Another helpful tactic to combating weight gain as a result of prednisone involves your eating habits. Instead of eating three regular meals a day, try breaking up your caloric intake into five or six smaller meals throughout the day. Eating less, yet more frequently, is known to satiate hunger, which can help reduce your caloric consumption and promote weight loss.
Exercise
Besides making dietary changes, exercise can help to combat weight gain and promote weight loss in people taking prednisone. Exercise causes you to expend more energy, which has a direct impact on the number of calories you burn in a day. If you're able to burn more calories than you consume, you should lose weight, even while taking prednisone. About 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week is a good starting point.
Warning
Do not stop taking prednisone or any other prescription medication without first talking to your doctor. Even if the medication is causing undesirable side effects, like weight gain, you shouldn't stop use until recommended by a medical professional. Your doctor can lower the dosage or prescribe a new form of treatment to minimize weight gain.
It's also important to consult a doctor or dietitian before making changes to your diet or level of exercise. Your health may preclude standard weight loss methods, and another technique may be needed to help shed those excess pounds.
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