Zepbound helpful in managing weight gain on steroid’s?

Rheumatolgists are excited about GLP-1 medications not just for weight loss but also for managing inflammatory diseases.
https://rheumatology.org/press-releases/new-research-at-acr-convergence-2025-highlights-potential-of-glp-1-therapies-in-rheumatic-disease-management
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I would need to look for the video of a presentation at the 2025 ACR conference. At one point in the video a panel of rheumatologists were saying that they should be the ones who prescribe GLP-1 medications. Their reasoning was because they the doctors who prescribe so much prednisone. They feel like they are the ones who should be responsible for their patients who gain weight on prednisone.

I used Methylprednisolone (the pills you get for a 6 day dose and ween off of for other quick fix health issues like a bee sting) instead of prednisone for PMR. I started at 20mg on 12/10/24. I ended my meds on 5/20/26. I never gained weight and I didn't change my eating habits. I do enjoy food. I generally eat healthy but I am not one of those skinny people . I could certainly afford to lose 10 lbs even before I started on the meds. I am afraid to take the weight loss drugs since they are quite new.

When asked the same question, a board certified rheumatologist at Vanderbilt Medical Center said that Mounjaro/Zepbound has anti-inflammatory qualities and is perfectly acceptable for use by PMR patients. I was on prednisone for over a year, finally managed to taper off with the help of Kevzara and have been on Mounjaro for 6 weeks with a weight loss of 15 pounds. Remarkable. The only side effects have been predictable but tolerable GI conditions, that are lessening as time goes on.

@cwbf - Question. Did Kevzara cause any stomach upset? And how as Mounjaro helped with your PMR pain?

I was on Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes before PMR and lost 40+ pounds. I then went on Prednisone (now down to 5mg) and then Kevzara) when I developed PMR. Have not regained any weight. 😎

@rickman
Perhaps Kevzara did early. It does not cause stomach upset now.

I do not feel any pain from PMR but I am now on both Kevzara and Mounjaro so it's hard to say which is more helpful with pain, which I no longer feel.

@aisp3b GLP1s was FDA approved for diabetes patients in 2005 and FDA approved for weight loss at the end of 2015. So, millions of people have/are taking GLP1s and some for many years. I personally would not classify them as new, just not old like say statins.
From how you described yourself I would be surprised if your BMI is high enough to qualify you for a GLP1. The BMI threshold is around 26-30, depending on your comorbidities. GLP1s require Prior Authorization so like so much your insurance company is in control.