prednisone and weight gain

March 12, 2002

,

If your experience is anything like mine, you will gradually lose the extra

weight. I was on prednisone for five years until June 2000 and gained 53

pounds--I gained weight the entire time I was on it. One year later--Summer

2001--I had lost 49 pounds without dieting. I am back on the prednisone now

and immediately, I do mean immediately, I started gaining weight--have

gained 11 pounds in two months. At first I took the prednisone only

sporadically, when I had something unusually, physically demanding to do;

but kept having to get cortizone shots in first one joint and then the

other. So now I take 5 ml. prednisone a day at present.

I absolutely hate it though because of the weight gain--I am more awkward

and my self-esteem is diminished for sure. And then there is the problem of

clothes to wear. All we can hope for is another disease modifying med to be

developed that will work in such a way that we don't need the prednisone. I

say this because when I went off the prednisone and MTX in 2000 and was

switched to Arava and Vioxx, I did just great for 18 months until recent

flare. I put up with undesirable side effects of both MTX and Prednisone

for those five years but there was complete relief from side effects on the

Arava and Vioxx.

When I got in trouble with swollen joints and pain and general lack of

energy in January, Rheumy reintroduced MTX with Arava with same side effects

from MTX as in past, only worse, so could not continue MTX. Had to go off

Arava to take cyclosporine. Rheumy wants to prescribe Enbrel but must have

MRI first to be evaluated by neurologist in April for MS (because last MRI

several years ago revealed " lesions like those seen in MS " ). Remicade is

not an alternative because it works same way as Enbrel. Kineret is a

possibility, if unable to take Enbrel, but he wants to learn more about side

effects revealed with patients already on it. So, we'll see--there is hope

that more effective medication will be developed, so we must live life the

best we can until then! That is what I keep telling myself every day I have

to make myself take the Prednisone. Good luck, -- in Virginia

Re: [ ] Re: Foods that affect P & PA

> >>>> - Prednisone will increase your appetite plus make you retain

fluid.

> Not a good combo for losing or maintaining weight. I think most of us who

> have been on pred. for a while have probably gained weight.>>>

>

> But what about when you come off the prednisone. I know it takes a while

for your body to get back to normal. I have only been off for less than a

month. I have never gained weight in my life. This is so frustrating. I

don't know how to diet (I enjoy eating) and I can't exercise because I am in

too much pain. I guess I am naive for thinking that my body will ever get

back to normal..... :-(

>

> Thanks,

>

November 1, 2002

Cheryl,

There iis a book called Coping with Prednisone, which will help with the weigh gain if you follow it to a T, which of course I can't. It is a great book and I think it is worth reading.

Chris

November 1, 2002

I read this book also. It is a good referrence. I work such a hectic schedule though I find it very difficult to cook a lot. For those who have more time and can use the recipes I think it would be a great help.

.

November 1, 2002

Hi Cheryl - Didn't find anything successful to keep weight going on - you

get a ravenous appetite especially sugar. I'm very slim now Im off pred, in

fact a little lighter to where I was in the first place.

Regards Jan

[ ] prednisone and weight gain

> What happens with prednisone that causes one to gain weight? Does your

> metabolism go down? Do you retain water? Is there any way to counter the

> effects of the prednisone so that you don't gain weight? I can tell from

> reading the posts that it doesn't all come off when you go off the

> prednisone.

>

> Cheryl

>

March 13, 2005

In my experience the weight literally falls off once you stop the steroids.

n in France

[ ] prednisone and weight gain

Hi again! Here's another question that I know many of you might be

able to answer or provide for me a little insight. I have been taking

10 mg prednisone per day for the last 3 weeks and probably will

continue for another 3 or 4 weeks until the methotrexate kicks in.

I've noticed a bloated, puffy feeling and clothes fitting 'not so

great' despite all my efforts to avoid this (i.e. exercising everyday

and limiting my food intake). I know that this is because of the

meds, but I'm getting discouraged. How quickly will the weight come

off once I discontinue the prednisone? Like I said, it will not be a

long term med for me so I'm just wondering how long it might take for

my weight to go back to normal. Thanks!

E.

New Orleans, LA

March 13, 2005

Hi .

I recently started Prednisone as well. I had gastric bypass surgery 2

years ago, and lost 160 pounds. So the very thought of me gaining

any weight at all was a big concern when I was told about the side

effects involved with my meds. Needless to say, I realized that I

couldn't live with the pain anymore, and I had to do whatever it took to

get healthy again. I gained nearly 30 pounds after being on Prednisone

for only 6 weeks. I try not to get discouraged about the weight gain,

but it's hard not to when you don't have a damn thing in your closet that

fits anymore. I am being weaned off the Prednisone slowly here, so

hopefully I will start to lose the weight that I'd gained.

I'm new to this all as well. It's pretty overwhelming at first, but it sure

helps to have the support of the wonderful people who make up this

group.

Take care...

-- In , " dianaenxing "

<dianaenxing@y...> wrote:

>

> Hi again! Here's another question that I know many of you might be

> able to answer or provide for me a little insight. I have been taking

> 10 mg prednisone per day for the last 3 weeks and probably will

> continue for another 3 or 4 weeks until the methotrexate kicks in.

> I've noticed a bloated, puffy feeling and clothes fitting 'not so

> great' despite all my efforts to avoid this (i.e. exercising everyday

> and limiting my food intake). I know that this is because of the

> meds, but I'm getting discouraged. How quickly will the weight come

> off once I discontinue the prednisone? Like I said, it will not be a

> long term med for me so I'm just wondering how long it might take for

> my weight to go back to normal. Thanks!

>

> E.

> New Orleans, LA

June 29, 2005

Hi

I've never been on Prednisone for longer than a month so I didn't experience

the weight gain but I have spoken to others who lost the weight as soon as

they quite taking the drug. When I started Enbrel it seemed like it took about a

month or two to take effect. Hang in there!!

Take Care

Babs

June 29, 2005

Okay. I know you've all been there so help me out! I've been on the

stupid drug now for 4 1/2 months. I have not seen a significant change

in the scale but I am starting to feel it in my clothes and I am NOT

happy about that! Also, I feel really bloated after I eat just about

anything but especially after dinner. I need to know that someone

else has experienced this! How hard will it be to get my clothes back

to fitting normal again?! My self-esteem takes a beating any time I

try to find something to wear in public outside of work. (I work at a

hospital and wear loose fitting scrubs all week) I actually should not

be on it much longer. Just started enbrel and I really think the doc

will take me off the steroids in about 3 weeks. Anyway, someone help

me understand this!

louisiana

June 29, 2005

Hi .

You're not alone. I had gastric bypass surgery just over 2 years ago

and lost 160 pounds. Once diagnosed with RA at the beginning of this

year, I had gained close to 30 pounds within the first 6 weeks of being

on a high dose of Prednisone!!!!!! I am bloated, puffy and obviously

larger than I was 6 months ago. I finally broke down last week and

bought new clothes because nothing fit me anymore.

I have tried 3 times now to taper off the Prednisone, but my body has

become dependent on it. Everytime I even slightly decrease my dose I

start a really bad flare. I have been waiting it out and am now at only 1

pill a day. I was told to take it every second day now, but again....the

flare starts up.

I hate the weight gain, but realize it's a small price to pay for mobility

and a reduction in pain. I am hoping that I will be off Prednisone one

day and that my weight and appetite will both decrease. It's a wonderful

drug in many ways and I could not have gotten through the past 6

months without it. I could sure do without the nasty side effect though!

I would bolt the fridge door but I know it's useless. The Prednisone

makes me hungry enough that I would chew the lock off and probably

eat that as an appetizer!!

All the best...

> Okay. I know you've all been there so help me out! I've been on the

> stupid drug now for 4 1/2 months. I have not seen a significant change

> in the scale but I am starting to feel it in my clothes and I am NOT

> happy about that! Also, I feel really bloated after I eat just about

> anything but especially after dinner. I need to know that someone

> else has experienced this! How hard will it be to get my clothes back

> to fitting normal again?! My self-esteem takes a beating any time I

> try to find something to wear in public outside of work. (I work at a

> hospital and wear loose fitting scrubs all week) I actually should not

> be on it much longer. Just started enbrel and I really think the doc

> will take me off the steroids in about 3 weeks. Anyway, someone help

> me understand this!

>

> louisiana

June 30, 2005

Hi ,

I took Prednisone for a short time, and I too had the weight gain. I

also had some other side effects that I just didn't like. Some

doctors will put you on Prednisone for a short time, until another med

kicks in for you. It's good sometimes if you go into a flare. Some

people do take it full time, and it works for them. I'm sure your

doctor will wean you off it soon. I would ask him the next time you

see him. I think the Enbrel will start working soon. Are you taking

anything else? Sometimes taking Methotrexate w/ the Enbrel works

pretty good. Let us know how your doing. I will keep you in my

prayers, Tawny

> Okay. I know you've all been there so help me out! I've been on the

> stupid drug now for 4 1/2 months. I have not seen a significant

change

> in the scale but I am starting to feel it in my clothes and I am NOT

> happy about that! Also, I feel really bloated after I eat just about

> anything but especially after dinner. I need to know that someone

> else has experienced this! How hard will it be to get my clothes back

> to fitting normal again?! My self-esteem takes a beating any time I

> try to find something to wear in public outside of work. (I work at a

> hospital and wear loose fitting scrubs all week) I actually should

not

> be on it much longer. Just started enbrel and I really think the doc

> will take me off the steroids in about 3 weeks. Anyway, someone help

> me understand this!

>

> louisiana

June 30, 2005

Hi !

What you are experiencing is a very real side effect of steroids, esp

Prednisone. It's the reason I will not take it for any reason. My

step-daughter is frequently on steroids bc her stupid mother races her

off to the allergist for every little thing. Before anyone jumps me

for that, just as an example, she took her to the allergist for a heat

rash. The list goes on and is off topic. So, anyway, my SD goes on

those things for wks on end for nothing. She's not a big eater at

all, except for when on that drug. She gains A LOT of weight while on

it and it usually takes a good 4 mos or so for her to get back to her

old self again. That's IF her mother doesn't send her off to the

allergist during that " recovery " time.

FWIW, it's not really good for you to be on that drug for any length

of time. They do cause a lot of problems. I watched my mother's body

go through hades from Prednisone.

Hopefully, your doc will take you off them at the next visit. Though

I have to tell ya, honestly, I would've taken myself by now.

Sara

> Okay. I know you've all been there so help me out! I've been on the

> stupid drug now for 4 1/2 months. I have not seen a significant

change

> in the scale but I am starting to feel it in my clothes and I am NOT

> happy about that! Also, I feel really bloated after I eat just about

> anything but especially after dinner. I need to know that someone

> else has experienced this! How hard will it be to get my clothes back

> to fitting normal again?! My self-esteem takes a beating any time I

> try to find something to wear in public outside of work. (I work at a

> hospital and wear loose fitting scrubs all week) I actually should

not

> be on it much longer. Just started enbrel and I really think the doc

> will take me off the steroids in about 3 weeks. Anyway, someone help

> me understand this!

>

> louisiana

July 1, 2005

Hi ...

I never seem to be able to give you encouraging info...but here's my

thoughts on prednisone and weight gain...

I hold off on prednisone until my feet hurt...then I relent because I

can handle anything but foot pain...the last time I was on it was in

October for 2 weeks and December for 2 weeks....I only ever do high

dose pulses because the damage to bones, eyes, blood sugars, is less.

and you also don't have to taper, because your adrenal glands haven't

shut down. It usually settles me down for quite awhile afterward.

I take 50mg/d for 10-14 days. However, I gained 17 lbs just in those

4 weeks!!! I can't quit eating when I'm on it!!!!. For me, I don't

think it is ever water weight, I don't seem to swell, just get fat!...i

look at it as a problem I'll deal with when I feel better. I just just

recently managed to lose the last of it. My yoyoing happens everytime

I have prednisone...and I have clothes in two sizes, for that reason.

In February, they bumped me to full dose mtx (25mg) and I've been much

better and more active and the weight gradually came off and I can fit

into my smaller clother again.

Good luck.

Lexi

--- In , " dianaenxing " <dianaenxing@y...>

wrote: