How to Lose Weight After Prednisone

Prednisone is a prescription steroid used to treat a variety of chronic conditions such as arthritis, polymyositis and kidney diseases. If taken regularly, prednisone stops inflammation and prevents a host of complications associated with specific illnesses. Unfortunately, weight gain is a common side effect of this medication. And if you've recently stopped taking this drug, you're likely interested in ways to shed the pounds.

Instructions

• 1

  Modify your diet. Because prednisone increases appetite, you'll need to alter your eating patten to lose the weight. Decrease your daily calories by 250 to 500 calories a day. Replace unhealthy, sugary foods with whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetable and low-fat meats.

• 2

  Start exercising. Devote between 30 and 60 minutes to physical activity or exercise a day---or at least three times a week. Get a gym membership, start jogging or walking, or buy workout videos.

• 3

  Eat less salt. Along with increased appetite, prednisone causes fluid retention or water weight. Watch your salt intake and eat no more than 1,500 mg a day. Rinse canned vegetable before cooking and limit your consumption of processed foods.

• 4

  Drink plenty of water. Consume at least eight glasses of water a day (more if possible) to expel excess fluids and sodium from your body. This reduces water retention and extra weight.

• 5

  Increase potassium intake. Potassium is an essential mineral, and if you're coming off prednisone, potassium-rich foods balance the sodium in your body and remove excess fluid. Good choices include bananas, apples, peas, nuts and salmon.