Weight loss while still taking steroids

FormerMember over 5 years ago

2 replies
28 subscribers
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Hi there,

I've been taking dexamethasone for a good few months now to aid with the inflammation and symptoms associated with my tumour and as expected my weight has significantly increased (by about 20kg). I want to attempt to lose some, if not all, of it again as I'm finding it harder to move about and lack energy.

I wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to losing weight while still taking the steroid? Any advice on curbing the increased appetite or similar? Or do just general weight loss tips apply?

Cheers in advance.

FormerMember over 5 years ago

Weight gain seems to be part of the package with steroids. I put on 7kg when I was on them with chemo. I’ve lost more than that since - but it’s been because the cancer has progressed and I’ve been on treatments that reduce my appetite so now I have the opposite problem of trying to put weight on. You can’t win!

I do sympathise with you, of course. I can imagine 20kg is a huge weight gain. What’s that in old money? About 3.5 stone?

To answer your question, I think your best bet might be to try our Ask the Expert section. I’m sure the nurses there will be able to advise you

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/ask_the_expert/

good luck!

FormerMember over 5 years ago

Dear, I sometimes think we should have a separate forum just for dexamethasone users !
it seems to effect us all differently, both good and not so good. If in your case it’s increasing your appetite, it’s important to try and eat some good quality protein with every meal and some fat as this is the best way of increasing satiety. As dexamethasone can in some circumstances raise blood sugar it’s a good idea to satisfy your sweet tooth as part of a balanced meal. Ultimately It’s about portion control, we eat with our eyes not with our stomach, and you can be satisfied with smaller portions if you eat things which have a high nutritional content and reduce the things with empty calories. You actually end up feeling like your eating more in the end. I personally don’t favour going on diets but instead just making a permanent change to your eating habits as it’s the best way to maintain a healthy weight in the long term.