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What Causes Weight Gain While On Prednisone?
I am being treated for Giant Cell Arteritis which was diagnosed after finding a high SED rate (50+ as I remember). After six months of taking prednezone ( sed rate reduced last month to 12) and going from 60 mg/day down to 15mg/day I had a SED rate today of 56. I am 77 years old and was at 170 lbs. Have gained 30 pounds over these last six months. What can be happening?
Mon, 26 Mar 2018
Hello,
Weight gain seems to be one of the side effects of Prednisone drug.
The most common side effects of Prednisone include stomach ulcer, increased appetite, fluid retention, weight gain, increased blood sugar (which can lead to diabetes), change in body shape (increase in fatty tissue on the trunk while the arms and legs get thinner), increased susceptibility to infections, acne, thinning of the skin, easy bruising.
Prednisone induced weight gain is due to retention of sodium (salt) & water. It can also cause fat redistribution, which makes even a small amount weight gain more intolerable.
Prednisone can also affect your metabolism and this can increase your appetite, leading to weight gain, and in particular lead to extra deposits of fat in your abdomen.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali
Weight gain seems to be one of the side effects of Prednisone drug.
The most common side effects of Prednisone include stomach ulcer, increased appetite, fluid retention, weight gain, increased blood sugar (which can lead to diabetes), change in body shape (increase in fatty tissue on the trunk while the arms and legs get thinner), increased susceptibility to infections, acne, thinning of the skin, easy bruising.
Prednisone induced weight gain is due to retention of sodium (salt) & water. It can also cause fat redistribution, which makes even a small amount weight gain more intolerable.
Prednisone can also affect your metabolism and this can increase your appetite, leading to weight gain, and in particular lead to extra deposits of fat in your abdomen.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali
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