Manage Weight Gain From Steroids

Steroids are extremely effective in relieving pain and inflammation in the body, and they can be life saving.  

What Are Steroids? Steroids, or corticosteroids, are anti-inflammatory drugs. There are many types and they are sold under various brand names: 

• Prednisone (Deltasone, Sterapred)
• Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
• Prenisolone (Prelone, Pediapred)
• Dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadron)
• Hydrocortisone (Acticort, Cortef)

 How Do Steroids Cause Weight Gain? Steroids affect sodium (salt) balance and, hence, increase fluid retention. They cause weight gain by increasing appetite and re-deposition of fat around the neck and abdomen. Because of chronic inflammation and pain, you will be less active and this will also contribute to weight gain. How Do You Manage Weight Gain?

There is no easy road to losing weight from the side effects of steroids. However, there are six steps you can take to manage it: Step 1: Plan Your Meals Be aware of the amount of calories in the food you are eating. You will then be able to reduce the total amount of calories you normally consume by 10-20%. You can search online to obtain the calorie content of the food you normally eat. Counting calories is a method of weight loss.