What Causes Abdominal Bloating And Sudden Weight Increase While On Cortisone And Prednisone?

Posted on Mon, 7 Dec 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 7 Dec 2015 Answered on

Tue, 29 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I was just 166 pounds on thursday december third.. I didn't eat well on Saturday and- bloated. It says i'm 172 today. Is that from my predisone i took for two d

Answered by Kathy Shattler (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Cortisone or Prednisone cause water retention

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I believe that the water retention frequently caused by your med was more than likely the cause of most of the weight gain. Eating simple carbohydrates and/or salt will make you retain even more water.

Relax and just monitor yourself.

Please write again if you have any clarifications.
Regards, XXXXXXX J. Shattler MS,RDN

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Kathy Shattler (21 minutes later)

Okay thank you. Usually when i have water retention from salt bloating the next day back on mg diet the 6 pounds of water weight is gone so im guessing the steroid I just took for two days is doing if so hopefully it is just that. Im on a diet and work out plan so if freaked me out seeing my weightdo that

Answered by Kathy Shattler (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I know how you feel -

Detailed Answer:
It is so discouraging to be trying to lose weight and gain so much so quickly.

Do not let it set you back. I have some free educational boards on weight loss, fitness on https://www.pinterest.com/kathyshattler/ that will provide some motivating tips and a great deal of information. Please feel free to read it.

I am hoping you are only doing burst therapy and will be done with your med soon as otherwise we should adjust your diet for the nutrient problems long term steroid use can cause such as lowered calcium, zinc, and the importance of a low salt, high calcium and vitamin D diet.

Prednisone will also cause an increase in appetite, so beware! Remember, cut that salt down while on this medication!

Congratulations on your decision to lose weight. XXXXXXX Shattler, M.S, RDN

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Kathy Shattler (20 minutes later)

I am done with taking the steriod after this so have just taken it for 2 days. So will this weight gain the water weight come off soon snd was just bc lf the salty foods and medicine?

Answered by Kathy Shattler (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, most of it will come off but not all

Detailed Answer:
Due to prednisone's nature and the fact no one told you how to eat while taking it, some of the weight gain i fat. You can rapidly take that off by lowering the glycemic index of your carbohydrates that you are eating.

On your weight loss plan be certain to eat protein in the morning to get your metabolism revved up!

Again, relax, Keep on with your diet and exercise plan, and stay away from simple carbohydrates like juices, pop, sodas.

I hope you are reassured and feel better about the temporary weight gain.

If you are satisified with my answers, please rate and close out your query. Regard, XXXXXXX Shattler, MS,RDN

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T