Weight Gain

[LSurtees]

Hi all,

Hope you are all doing well?

I have been on steroids now for 2 years and my dose changes all the time plus every three months I have injections and rituximab infusion. A couple of months ago I was put on beta blockers and now pregabalin. My weight is shooting up even tho I am on a strict calarie diet and exercise on my good days.

I am still in full time work so kept busy, my confidence and self esteem is so low.

Does anyone have any suggestions to help me lose weight whilst on all these meds

[sarahalice]

Hi Lsurtees

Im in a similar position. Steroids for over 3 years, same infusion and frustration with my weight!

I went on a strict vegan diet over a year ago. It has helped loads with my blood pressure, colesteral and some other bits and pieces. However I was hoping it would be the miracle I needed for weight loss. It has only helped me maintain my ever increasing weight. I know that I should give up all processed cabs to help. Unfortunately I do have a slice or two of bread every other day which doesn't help. I think the trick with steroids is to eat loads of veg and some fruit and accept that your tummy will never be satisfied! !

Horrid drugs we can't do without.

Best of luck with it, Sarahx

[Sfigata]

Wright gain? Ive put on 20 kilos on prednisone and azatioprina. Any suggestiona would be helpful!!!

[PMRpro]

With pred it is important to restrict carbs rather than calories - pred changes the way your body processes carbs and leads to spikes of BS and insulin which lead to the BS level shooting up and down, and the insulin leads to the fat deposits in the expected places (around the midriff, face and back of neck). I lost 35lbs of pred-associated weight by cutting carbs - and so have a lot of people on my home forum where we are ALL on pred. Cutting carbs also helps reduce the hunger pangs because there are far fewer swings in BS level. Another factor in weight gain with pred is fluid retention so being careful about salt in your diet is also important. Cutting processed carbs drastically helps with fluid retention too.

Pregabalin also causes weight gain due to increased appetite and fluid retention - I have no experience with it but cutting carbs and salt should help with that as well.

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi LSurtees,

It sounds like you are doing well in maintaining good control of your diet and exercising when able to. Weight gain is a very common symptom of pregabalin, according to The Lupus Encyclopedia. This symptom is likely to stop when the dosage is decreased or stopped by the doctor. You should never adjust your medication dosage without it being discussed and approved by your doctor.

We published a blog article on lupus and exercise and another on healthy eating which you may like to read:

Exercise: lupusuk.org.uk/lupus-and-ex... (exercising is a great mood-booster)

Healthy Eating: lupusuk.org.uk/diet-and-hea...

Would you like someone to speak to? I can provide you with LUPUS UK contacts who you can chat with over the telephone. These contacts are volunteers who mostly have lupus themselves; they are not medically trained but are there to offer support and understanding. If you would like a contact to speak to, you can email me at [e-mail]

Here is a link to our blog article on ‘coping with depression and anxiety’, you may find it helpful: lupusuk.org.uk/coping-with-...

Please keep us updated, wishing you all the best.