Weight loss on prednisolone

[Tayzee]

Losing weight on prednisolone…. Can it be done? I’m getting so depressed with my weight gain …3 stones now …. does drastically cutting carbs work? All suggestions very welcome 😊

[SnazzyD]

I would say a resounding yes, you can lose weight also while giving yourself the essential foods needed to help your body cope with Pred. Eating healthily in the normal sense doesn’t cut it with Pred and severely cutting carbs is the way to go. I started on 60mg and I kept weight gain at bay but more importantly my blood sugars remained stable. Others have lost weight while on Pred and others have improved their diabetes. Personally I had to really cut carbs and no messing, but some can have a bit more. Also low salt until under 10mg helps the fluid retention bloat. Have a read of this post from the FAQ section. healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If you look in the related posts I'm sure you will get to the vast number of past posts discussing weight gain/loss/management when on pred - and the consistent thing is cutting processed carbs and added sugar in particular and carbs in general. It is possible to avoid weight gain if you start early and to lose weight at a later stage if you come late to the party.

I lost 35lbs of PMR and pred related weight gained over a period of a few years - my PMR wasn't diagnosed for 5 years and I gained weight because i couldn't exercise and was comfort eating because of the pain and disability, didn't gain more with pred but it redistributed. I DID gain more with a different corticosteroid I took for some months but when I switched to the prednisone I now use and went low carb I steadily lost 35lbs over the following 18 months. I gained some back and of course Covid lockdowns last summer didn't help. But I have lost over 5kg since early March. Some people have far more dramatic stories than me.

[HalleysComet]

I have managed to reduce my weight to just about normal BMI by drastically cutting out any carbohydrates and drinking green tea without milk. I lost a stone in weight and feel and look better for it. I cannot walk as far as I used to, and feel tired a lot of the time, but that is the PMR, not the eating regime. It requires a good bit of determination, but I am sure you can do it. Good luck.

[Pixix]

Please check & read the FAQs, lots of us spent some time putting responses in this area, & there’s lots to read there. Sorry, but I just don’t have time to find it this morning & copy & paste, but if I did you would miss other responses & excellent info! S x (3 stones gain in 2 years)

[pigeonstreet]

My weight shot and so did my cholesterol count. I have had to reduce my carb, sugar and saturated fat intake. Hopefully this will be enough to keep me off Statins.