Do steroids make you gain weight?

Corticosteroids are a type of steroid that can help treat several health conditions, such as asthma, allergies, and eczema. However, like with all medications, they can also cause a range of side effects, including weight gain.

Some scientific evidence shows that people who take corticosteroids may gain weight due to factors such as fluid retention or increased appetite. In some instances, side effects may even persist after you stop corticosteroid treatment.

If you find that side effects from steroids are affecting your day-to-day life, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They can help you identify lifestyle measures that may help or suggest an alternative medication.

Causes

According to a 2019 review, inhaled corticosteroids do not cause any weight increase. However, around 70% of people who take oral corticosteroids gain weight.

This increase in weight can be significant. In around 20% of individuals who take oral corticosteroids, body weight may increase by about 10 kilograms within the first year of treatment. The weight gain is also proportional to the dosage of corticosteroids. Generally speaking, higher doses of corticosteroids mean more weight gain.

A 2023 review stated that steroid usage can also cause fluid retention, which could manifest into weight gain.

Further research is still needed to understand the causes of steroid-induced weight gain. However, scientists have discovered factors that increase this risk, such as:

• being a young person
• having a high BMI
• consuming a high calorie diet

How long does steroid weight gain last?

It is difficult to know how long weight gain from steroid usage may last. There is relatively little research into how weight gain develops in people who take steroids.

Some evidence suggests that weight gain may decrease when an individual stops taking steroids. For example, this could happen in people whose steroid-induced weight gain is due to fluid retention. However, if weight gain was due to an increase in appetite, it may remain even after stopping steroids

Some evidence suggests that how long steroid weight gain lasts depends on the length of your steroid usage. However, an older 2008 study indicates that steroid weight gain can last several months after the end of corticosteroid treatment.

What steroids can lead to weight gain?

There is good evidence that taking corticosteroids correlates with weight gain. However, knowledge is limited when it comes to identifying which specific steroids lead to weight gain.

One exception to this is the steroid prednisone (Prelone). There is evidence to suggest that people who take prednisone regularly or at doses above 40 milligrams per day can gain weight.

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How to prevent weight gain on steroids

Scientists have not yet found reliable evidence of effective weight gain prevention strategies in the context of steroid usage. However, general strategies for weight loss may help, such as:

• reducing carbohydrate consumption
• following a low fat diet
• exercising regularly

If you are concerned about weight gain from steroid use, consider speaking with a doctor. They can put together a treatment plan that may help or recommend an alternative medication.

Summary

There is evidence that corticosteroids can cause weight gain, which can last for months after steroid treatment has ended.

Research is still limited regarding the cause of steroid weight gain. Some studies have suggested that steroid usage may increase appetite or fluid retention in the body.

If you find that side effects from steroids are affecting your day-to-day life, consider speaking with a healthcare professional.

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