anyone else on steroids (for health reasons) and struggling to lose weight?

[AliBaliB_34]

Hi folks,

before my kidney transplant I had no problems losing weight; I simply reduced my calorie intake and increased my exercise, however ever since the transplant I have to take steroids daily and find I am really struggling to lose weight. I am exercising on average 6-7 times a week, mix of running and weights. I am 5ft 9, 34 years old and am eating between 1,200 and 1,400 calories a day. any advice??

thanks

[Zest Healthy BMI]

Hi AliBaliB_34,

Welcome to the Weight Loss NhS forum. Please have a look at our Welcome Newbie post for some general information and helpful posts from past and current members.

I know you've had a kidney transplant, and that you're currently finding it harder to lose weight since you've been taking steroids. I would suggest discussing issues with your GP to check their view, but you could also put the key words steroids and weight loss in the 'search' window (top right) and you'd see past posts on that subject, which might be a good way to start.

Many of us are following the NHS 12 week plan, which is useful generally - and there is an NHS BMI calculator, which if you put in your details it will calculate the recommended calorie range to help you lose weight safely, so that might be worth using to double check your range:

nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Healthyw...

It takes account of personal stats and activity levels, and it's really good.

I haven't got any personal experience of trying to lose weight whilst taking steroids, but maybe some other members will spot your post and reply with their experiences.

It's our Monday group weigh-in session today, so that's why it might seem a little quiet in other parts of the forum - we've experienced some site glitches too - so things are not going quite as smoothly as they might normally do - but I am very pleased to see you were able to post, and I'd like to welcome you to the forum.

Wishing you a great week, and please join in with anything you like the look of in the forum.

Lowcal

[Traceybebbington]

Hey AliBaliB_34

You don't mention when you had your transplant or how much steroids you are on?

I had my transplant three years ago and was initially on 20mg of pred, now on 2 😁. I've never found losing weight an issue, more that I didn't seem to ever fill up and man alive, my cravings for walkers crisps were a killer! Worcester sauce especially, I'm digressing slightly (a lot). Anyways, that's my experience.

I lost a lot of weight after my transplant, by working with the nutritionist (you will have access to one at the hospital) and by working out. But I'm not going to lie - sometimes I was hungry, down to the pred side effects of never filling up

If in doubt, ask your specialist as there isn't much they won't have seen.

[GrennCl0ud]

You need a good nutritionist, he will set your diet. What kind of steroids you take? When I was struggling with my weight I took clen pills, ordered here athletespharmacy.org/ . I attended gym 3-4 times per week, my trainer made a fitness program that suited my needs. Good luck, you can do it!