What can I do about a ravenous appetite?

[43tripandskip]

Thank you everyone for the help and advise you give on these posts. Until now I have read and learned, but I would like some help. Since I have been on Prednisolone (I started on 20mg and am now on 8mg) I have developed a ravenous appetite particularly in the later part of the day. Although I have been assured that my adrenal glands will start taking over from Prednisolone once I am below 10mg, I truly can't see any evidence of it. I have put on about 2 stone plus, and and I know that this appetite is not 'normal' as I don't normally over-eat especially in the summer. If you have experience of this or have some advice, I would love to hear from you

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Pred changes the way your body processes carbohydrate - and that very often leads to fat deposits around waist, back of the neck and on your face, the typical pred effects.

Many of us on the forums have found that cutting carbs drastically has let us lose weight (I lost 36 lbs) or not put it on in the first place. It also helps with the cravings - you reduce the swings in blood sugar level and insulin production that is what leads to them. Be careful - you need to cut the processed carbs altogether really but there are carbs in places you didn't know and eating too much in the way of fruit or root veg will keep your carb level too high to lose weight. As soon as I eat more than a very low level I don't lose weight - just be warned if you decide to try it.

[kiltylyn in reply to PMRpro]

thank you will keep this in mind. Newly diagnosed PMR.. Have eaten fruit every day for years . Would be hard to cut it or I'm sure but am learning something new every day...

[CloudGazer6]

This might be of some help:

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[43tripandskip in reply to CloudGazer6]

THANK YOU CloudGazer6. A wealth of information. Much appreciated

[jinasc]

Keep a cucumber (wrapped in foil in the fridge) when you feel the pangs, cut one inch and eat it.

[43tripandskip in reply to jinasc]

Thank you Sambucca. I'll give this a try

[karools16]

Hello 43tripandskip. This is the first post I have read, in which someone, like you, speaks about the appetite that comes with Pred. 10 years ago, I developed GCA. The Pred. made me put on 3 stone in 3 weeks! I say made because I was so hungry. No matter what time I had my evening meal, I was hungry at bed-time, and I remember getting up, after going to bed, and cooking pasta, to fill me up! Yes, steroids can make you do daft things. I had almost instant moon-face. I was on about 80mg Pred at that time. Last year, through very traumatic circumstances, I lost 3 stone. I am, now, on 3mg Pred, and my weight is constant. Hang in there. IF I remember correctly, the weight does reduce when Pred. reduced.

Karools16

[43tripandskip in reply to karools16]

Thank you Karools16. You've given me hope!

[kiltylyn]

Thats what i was dreading also , the weight gain. I had joined a slim class before diagnosed PMR 6 weeks ago. I too , especially at night get so hungry . I go for the fruit covered with plain or fruit fat free yogurts. I'm 2 stone down.. No class ? I would be going for some toast and meat , a few choc biscuits or anything i have nice in fridge......

[43tripandskip in reply to kiltylyn]

I received help on this site and it was all extremely useful. The best advice was to keep to proteins and calcium products, but to avoid carbohydrates. So the fruit is not so good for you. I hope PMRpro doesn't mind, but I've copied her reply to me. I found it useful:

"Pred changes the way your body processes carbohydrate - and that very often leads to fat deposits around waist, back of the neck and on your face, the typical pred effects.

Many of us on the forums have found that cutting carbs drastically has let us lose weight (I lost 36 lbs) or not put it on in the first place. It also helps with the cravings - you reduce the swings in blood sugar level and insulin production that is what leads to them. Be careful - you need to cut the processed carbs altogether really but there are carbs in places you didn't know and eating too much in the way of fruit or root veg will keep your carb level too high to lose weight. As soon as I eat more than a very low level I don't lose weight - just be warned if you decide to try it."

I was also recommended this site: healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

I hope this gives you some help

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to 43tripandskip]

I never mind!

[HeronNS]

My son took some of the glut of green beans our respective gardens have produced, lightly cooked them and created a bit of a marinade, not sure what was in it, put these beans upright in a glass with some of the marinade in the bottom and served as part of the array of snack foods presented before dinner last night.

[AndrewT]

Dear 43tripandskip,

First of all a Very 'interesting' Name. Secondly, and I probably WON'T get any 'praise', for this, but just ate- got fat, ate- got fatter and fatter and thoughly enjoyed myself! I'm, very definitely, NOT suggesting that you do this, too much weight IS bad for you but I'm now HUGE!

If you don't want to gain weight which, I assume from your post, try some 'Bulky' but not fattening foods. I should ask your Doctors, or Dieticians, if I were you....I wouldn't ask me. Fato here doesn't 'do' diets!

Good luck, in any event.

AndrewT

[43tripandskip in reply to AndrewT]

Well, Andrew, I posted the original plea 2 years ago. Thank you for your reply, it is much appreciated. I have recently got down to 3mgs of predisolone and it has almost got rid of my ravenous appetite. I spent a fortune on weight loss books and even joined a slimming club. All to no avail as my appetite ruled me. I became Mrs Michelin man and very few of my clothes fit. Since losing the ravenous appetite I have lost 2 stone and have about another stone to go.

I hope you are nearing the end of taking predisolone, I can't say lower dosage equals less muscle pain because it doesn't. But there are better days to be enjoyed than before. THANK you for your concern, it's much appreciated

[AndrewT in reply to 43tripandskip]

Dear 43tripandskip (interesting 'Name' that...Were does it come from?)

I'm afraid that I will be, on Prednisolone- along with other Drugs-, for life. I can't get below 6mg daily, I start to get a flare- even half a mg less, can do this. As regards my weight, to be honest- and this Shouldn't be the case- I'm not too bothered. I don't mind, one bit, being 'An Obese Lump Of Lard/ A Fat Git/ A Hopeless Case, or even, just plain Overweight'. At least there is something 'Of Me', as it were, a 'f..king BIG Something actually'.

I'm glad that you are happy, with how you are 43tripandskip, I think this is, well over, half the 'Battle'. Wasn't there a song about 'Different Sizes', a few years (decades) back?

Anyway I'm glad that you are feeling happier now. Sending you my Very best Wishes.

Your FAT friend

AndrewT

[43tripandskip in reply to AndrewT]

Sorry for the delay in replying but my brother died and I've had to make a journey to Scotland to sort everything out. My brain's not fully engaged yet. But thanks for replying

[AndrewT in reply to 43tripandskip]

I'm sorry to hear, about your Brother 43tripandskip. I know that this sounds, terribly 'Corny', but if there is anything I can 'Do'- apart from offering you my Sincerest Condolences, that is.

Your friend

AndrewT

[43tripandskip in reply to AndrewT]

Many thanks Andrew. I think I've got my head around all the things connected with my brother. It's been a frenetic time but I'm settling down to a normal routine now. I really appreciate your kind wishes, thank you.

[43tripandskip in reply to AndrewT]

Meant to say that my username has significance. The answer lies in it not saying 'skip and trip'. Optimism is the key note.

[PMRCanada]

I had no choice than to make lifestyle changes, was diagnosed with high blood pressure, chronic knee injuries (due in part to being overweight and requiring surgery), and diagnosed with PMR

With the help of my daughter who is a CNP (Certified Nutritional Practitioner) who provided me with info. meal plans, supplements, and sample food options, I embraced a low sugar, salt, and carb diet and lost 22 lbs and cut my blood pressure in half. I do enjoy fruit a couple of times per day, and have been known to indulge occasionally, but overall this has worked for me. This past month has been filled with hosting events and gatherings leaving behind some yummy food, but I tried to take in only small “treats” which resulted in my weight loss plateauing, but no weight gain. If I’m really craving something substantial I will marinate and bbq a sirloin steak and top with sautéed onion, mushroom, spinach. I eat full fat dairy, yoghurt (plain with fruit on top).

I have not completely cut out any one food group, however this is doable for me over the long term. Not for everyone, takes some experimemtation to discover a customized plan. Encouragement from my family, friends, and GP goes a long way.

Long way to go for me, another 20lbs to go in next stage of weight loss efforts.

Good luck on your journey, hope you find something to combat those intense cravings.

[43tripandskip in reply to PMRCanada]

I'm so pleased you've managed to lose weight. I find that one diet method works for about 6 weeks, than I plateau and can't shift any weight. I now switch to a different eating plan and it works for another 5/6 weeks.. I could never have stuck to any diet when I was on a higher dosage of predisolone especially if it involved standing for a long time in the kitchen. I hope your customised eating plan gets you to your goal. Thinking of you.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to 43tripandskip]

Have you ever tried a "perch stool"? i.e. one where you are almost standing but resting your bottom on the edge of a tall stool. It worked wonders for me in the kitchen when I couldn't stand for more than a few minutes at a time!

[43tripandskip in reply to PMRpro]

I hadn't thought of this! I'll have a look in the shops today and see if there's something suitable. Thank you.

[Leilagirl]

Ok you are right!! It’s in the evening that the hunger kicks in and it usually is for sweet treats! So.. sugar is Not our friend!! Ideas are... a high protein drink that has a very low gram weight of sugar.. pick your favorite flavor to get your chocolate craving met.. be mindful

Of calories with the drink....or tuna .. no bread...possibly a low calorie cracker and just a couple of them... made up your favorite way with celery or whatever and a cucumber slices ..thats filling. Celery has a lot of sodium so be careful. Prednisone and sodium or salt are not a great mix. Beef jerky... or a piece of chicken a lean piece of protein to hold you all night... A few strawberries at night .. it’s sugar .. be mindful of how much fruit you have had already.. calories??? drink a big glass of water or herbal tea.. hard boiled egg.. just some ideas... good luck!

[43tripandskip in reply to Leilagirl]

You've given me some excellent ideas. Thank you