I was diagnosed with transverse myletis. I was given 1000mg every 6hours until I had taken 4000mg. Then I was given 1000mg daily for four more days. I lost my voice, was very weak and had to have many naps during the day. But the biggest surprise was that I lost weight. I'm not obese, but a little overweight. I have been fighting that for years. In about 8 days, I lost 20lb. The doctor was perplexed and had no answers. I gained it all back in 2 months.
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Did you ever get this figured out? I was visiting this page for the original question, because I have ulcerative colitis and have lost weight on my tapered dose steroid. Your comment caught my attention because you sound like there’s a chance you have UC.
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Did you ever get this figured out? I was visiting this page for the original question, because I have ulcerative colitis and have lost weight on my tapered dose steroid. Your comment caught my attention because you sound like there’s a chance you have UC.
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Joe 68 years old. Got into a patch of poison ivy, Had severe reaction both to ivy and lotions. Went to Dr., HE put me on 4 mg 21 tablets 6 days. Hives anms and legs swelled, suffered for week, then the hives covered whole body. Went back to Dr an put me on 10 mg tablets 60mg day 3 days,50mg 3 days,40mg 3 days,20mg 3 days,10mg 3 days,5mg 4 days. Currently on day 3, I was on a diet when this whole problem started I have continued to lose weight, both when max 60mg and now while reducing. Everything I have read says I should gain weight. My appetite has not increased. So far no bad side effects. Hoping it doesn't get bad when get down to half pill day in 2 weeks. When I started diet 100 days ago have lost 51 lbs. The 15 days that I have been on Prednisone I have lost 10 lbs. Skin and hives just under skin at first,now completely gone. Is this considered large dose ? Are the withdraw for 1 month on drug likely long.
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I’m losing weight after getting off prednisone also.I was on 20mg daily for about 18 months.Almost as soon as I got of it,I started losing weight slowly at first,but now,20 weeks after getting off it,I’m losing weight quick..Blood sugar good,cortisol good.
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I am experiencing much the same effects. I had never taken Prednisone before a bout of covid. Since then, I have been prescribed prednisone 4times. Each time i experienced weight loss, without trying. I was 475lbs, had gastric bypass surgery in 2006. I lost down to 250, but after 2 children my weight has been a FIGHT to stay at 320-350 for over 10years now. I live a low carb, keto lifestyle. ZERO weight loss with a diet of no sugar/carbs (minus the normal 22grams/day) and caloric intake of 1200 or less a day. But just like magic, when i add Prednisone, the weight falls off! 10-15lbs in a week or two. Side note... I usually throw up 2x a day on average due to food intolerance. However, while on prednisone, I do not get sick, I feel amazing, I can think clearly, and feel a "release" in my muscles. I have gone to multiple physicians and keep hearing the same response. "I do not know, but I know I cannot assist you with what might be wrong with you". It helps to know that I am not alone with this.
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I had 2 upper respiratory illnesses in 2022 (not covid). Was given prednisone both times. Lost 10lbs in 1 week each time. After 2 months, weight was back.
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I have done two high dose courses of prednisone for autoimmune pancreatitis. Each time I immediately lose weight and stay rail thin in spite of devouring large quantities of food. Researching now because something is going on and I have high cortisol and related symptoms. No weight gain in fact some loss. Seems like equivalent comparison as prednisone mimics cortisol.
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Health Hero
1626 posts
Hello.
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can influence a wide variety of physiological processes in the body. Its effects on weight can vary depending on the individual and the dose. Here's a general overview of some of the known potential effects of prednisone on the body's weight and metabolism:
* Appetite Stimulation: Prednisone can often stimulate appetite. Some people on prednisone report feeling constantly hungry, which can sometimes lead to weight gain.
* Fluid Retention: Prednisone can cause the body to retain sodium (salt) and lose potassium. This can result in fluid retention, which may cause puffiness in the face, hands, and ankles. The weight gain from fluid retention is different from gaining body fat.
* Fat Redistribution: Prednisone might cause fat to redistribute to different areas of the body. Some people may notice fuller cheeks (often referred to as "moon face"), a fatty hump between the shoulders (often called a "buffalo hump"), or increased fat in the abdominal area while arms and legs might look thinner.
* Muscle Wasting: Long-term use of corticosteroids like prednisone can lead to muscle wasting or muscle weakness, which could potentially contribute to weight loss.
* Metabolic Changes: Corticosteroids can have effects on metabolism, potentially increasing the risk of elevated blood sugar levels and even diabetes in some individuals.
* Bone Loss: Chronic use can lead to osteoporosis, which is a weakening of the bones.
Given that you mentioned high cortisol, it's also important to understand that cortisol is a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands. It's often called the "stress hormone" because its levels rise during times of physical or emotional stress. Prolonged high levels of cortisol in the body (endogenously produced or due to medication like prednisone) can have various effects.
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can influence a wide variety of physiological processes in the body. Its effects on weight can vary depending on the individual and the dose. Here's a general overview of some of the known potential effects of prednisone on the body's weight and metabolism:
* Appetite Stimulation: Prednisone can often stimulate appetite. Some people on prednisone report feeling constantly hungry, which can sometimes lead to weight gain.
* Fluid Retention: Prednisone can cause the body to retain sodium (salt) and lose potassium. This can result in fluid retention, which may cause puffiness in the face, hands, and ankles. The weight gain from fluid retention is different from gaining body fat.
* Fat Redistribution: Prednisone might cause fat to redistribute to different areas of the body. Some people may notice fuller cheeks (often referred to as "moon face"), a fatty hump between the shoulders (often called a "buffalo hump"), or increased fat in the abdominal area while arms and legs might look thinner.
* Muscle Wasting: Long-term use of corticosteroids like prednisone can lead to muscle wasting or muscle weakness, which could potentially contribute to weight loss.
* Metabolic Changes: Corticosteroids can have effects on metabolism, potentially increasing the risk of elevated blood sugar levels and even diabetes in some individuals.
* Bone Loss: Chronic use can lead to osteoporosis, which is a weakening of the bones.
Given that you mentioned high cortisol, it's also important to understand that cortisol is a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands. It's often called the "stress hormone" because its levels rise during times of physical or emotional stress. Prolonged high levels of cortisol in the body (endogenously produced or due to medication like prednisone) can have various effects.
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I have been on low dose prednisone (15 mg) for a week to treat polymyalgia rheumatica. I have lost 3 pounds, and am eating normally--perhaps a little less than usual because the "buzzy" feeling of prednisone makes me not as hungry, so I am not snacking at all. I am already at a normal weight, and find this surprising, because of all the warnings about gaining weight with this medication.
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I’ve had chronic chest pain since the wire from a sternotomy in 2017 broke. The sternal wires have all since been removed, but the pain has not gotten better. I’ve been taking Prednisone, as needed for pain, since 2019. The first few months that I was on it, I felt great and had tons more energy. The pain didn’t completely subside, but it was tolerable. I had been working from home, in pajamas and it wasn’t until I went back to work in an office that I actually noticed the weight loss. I have always been on the small side weighing about 110 lbs when I started the Prednisone. When I realized that none of my “real” clothes fit me anymore (2.5 months after starting prednisone) I got worried and climbed on the scale. I was down to 89lbs. I have spoken with multiple specialists about this and they all seem surprised by it, but not enough to consider a different treatment. I had an appointment today and weighed in at 97lbs. I stopped taking the prednisone a year ago.
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I was put on a steroid pack because I was having a flare of arthritis. In 3 days I lot 11 pounds. Second time this has happened and the doctors look at me like I have 2 heads when I tell them this. They will not look into it. Also I have chronic inflammation that does not show up on routine testing like CRP and sed rate. But again I can't get a dr to listen to me that something is going on that they are not taking care of.
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