2015年12月9日星期三

The Reason for Weight Gain While Using Prednisone and How to Deal With it

Massive proteinuria is commonly found among patients with Nephrotic Syndrome and protein lost from blood can cause many problems, and some of those even may threaten patient’s life. To prevent protein from slipping into the urine, prednisone usually be used. However, patients who are on the treatment of prednisone may find their weight gain although they keep a limitation on food. Why?

What are prednisone and its side effects?

Prednisone is a member of the corticosteroid drugs, which is similar to the hormone cortisol, produced by the human body. It is basically used as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drug. This medication can be taken either orally or it can be administered through intravenous and intramuscular injections. Prednisone can cause several side effects. According to the prescribing information, the most common side effects of prednisone include sleep problems, mood changes, acne, dry skin, increased sweating, nausea, stomach pain and bloating, headache, dizziness and weight gain. Among these side effects, weight gain may be the most concerned side effects.

What are the reasons for weight gain when taking prednisone?

Firstly, the medication induces the body to retain more sodium, and to lose more potassium. When the level of sodium and potassium in the body is disturbed, the body tends to retain more water or fluid. The result is fluid retention, which can cause unwanted prednisone weight gain. In addition to weight gain, fluid retention can result in bloating as well.

Secondly, prednisone is also known to increase appetite. Increase in appetite can lead to increased consumption or increased calorie intake. This also can manifest in undesirable weight gain in people taking prednisone for a prolonged time period.

Thirdly, corticosteroid can also cause a redistribution of fat. This fat-redistribution process often relocates fat to the face, neck, abdomen and the back. That is the reason why many people experience weight gain or fat accumulation on these special areas.

What should I do to reduce or avoid weight gain caused by prednisone?

Firstly, Prednisone stimulates appetites, due to which people tend to eat more and gain weight. Such weight can be controlled by eating small, but frequent meals. This step would help to control calorie intake and thereby, prevent excessive weight gain.

Secondly, fluid retention caused by prednisone can be managed by reducing the amount of sodium or salt intake, and increasing the amount of potassium in the diet. Including more potassium containing foods like, bananas, grapefruit, oranges, milk and baked potatoes can help to maintain the required balance between sodium and potassium. However, you can eat such things only promised by your doctor, since some patients with Nephrotic Syndrome have food taboos which include potassium containing foods.

Thirdly, increase physical exercise. Increasing physical activity can help compensate for increased caloric intake. It is recommended for most individuals to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity, such as walking, swimming, gardening and so on. However, it may not do a benefit to other patients, thereby those patients should consult doctor before doing some exercise.

Fourthly, avoid alcohol. The use of alcohol is not better for your health as it may lead to serious health problems including hypertension, high blood pressure and stomach ulcer. So, if you want to avoid weight gain or even if you want to control weight gain, it is necessary to avoid alcohol.


There are also some other ways to help decrease weight gain caused by prednisone. However, have you thought another way to treat Nephrotic Syndrome instead of prednisone. If there is a way that can not only treat Nephrotic Syndrome effectively but also has no side effects, it would be happiness for patients who are troubled by side effects of prednisone. Micro-Chinese Medicine, extracted from plants and other natural minerals, has no side effect and also has effective results in the treatment of Nephrotic Syndrome. If you have any question, you can email to kidney-treatment@hotmail.com.

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