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Hi,
I too am asthmatic, and have been on Prednisone before. I
just picked up a pretty good book on Asthma, and they talk a
little bit about the side effects of steroids. Yes, weight gain
is a known side effect - steroids can increase appetite and cause
salt and water retention. They say that when the steroids are
used for a prolonged period, a shift in the distribution of fat
occurs. Unfortunately, only reducing or discontinuing the
medication will help this.
I guess just being extra careful about what you do eat, and
trying to keep drinking lots of water is about all you can do.
Exercise probably helps, whatever you can do. I know I've been
able to manage some low-impact aerobics and in warmer weather do a
lot of walking. Swimming is supposed to be good too, if you have
access to a pool.
If you want the name of the book, or want to talk further,
feel free to send me mail.
Amy
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| I too have had a problem with weight gain while on Prednisone.
The last time I had to take it I mentioned to my doctor that I
have worked so hard to loose 40 pounds (still have a long way to
go) that I was afraid of taking it again. He gave me a six day
schedule and luckily it cleared up my lungs. I was so afraid of
gaining weight that week that I did perfect on my Weight Watchers
diet and lost 4 pounds. I think being extra careful while on the
prednisone does help.
It is a vicious cycle, the extra weight aggravates the asthma, and
the medicine for the asthma makes it easy to gain weight. I guess
the best thing you can do for yourself is be patient with yourself.
Maybe making weight maintenance your goal while you are on the
Prednisone will help. After all it is an accomplishment to maintain
your weight when you are taking steroids.
Good Luck!
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