Does Prednisone Make You Gain Weight?

Yes, prednisone commonly causes weight gain in up to 70% of patients taking it long-term. This corticosteroid increases appetite, promotes fluid retention, and redistributes fat to the face, neck, and abdomen. Weight gain typically ranges from 5-15 pounds depending on dose and duration of treatment. The medication also slows metabolism and can cause muscle loss, making weight management more challenging. Higher doses above 20mg daily and treatment lasting longer than two weeks significantly increase the risk of weight gain and other side effects.

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