Does Prednisone Make You Gain Weight?
Medically reviewed by Andre Stone | MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on August 25th, 2026.
Yes, prednisone can commonly cause weight gain, especially when it is taken at higher doses or for longer periods. The likelihood varies among patients and depends on factors such as dose, treatment duration, and the condition being treated. This corticosteroid increases appetite, promotes fluid retention, and redistributes fat to the face, neck, and abdomen. The amount of weight gained varies widely and may depend on the dose, length of treatment, fluid retention, appetite changes, and individual factors. With higher doses or prolonged use, prednisone can contribute to muscle weakness or loss, while increased appetite and fluid retention may make weight management more challenging. The risk of weight gain and other side effects generally increases with higher doses and longer treatment, but there is no single cutoff that applies to everyone.
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