1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)
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Weight loss with PMR

Posted by debdan8825 @debdan8825, Jun 27 6:26pm

Since being dx with PMR 2 1/2 years ago I have lost weight, even on prednisone. I was on prednisone for 18 months, losing about a half pound a month. When I went off prednisone I have been losing one to two pounds a month. I'd this normal? I know most people gain while on prednisone but I was so fatigued and no appetite. Just wondered if anyone else has experienced the ongoing weight loss. I have been symptom free since last Aug but really never got my appetite back.

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mp71 | @mp71 | Jul 2 7:02pm
In reply to @elainepoc "I was diagnosed in April with pmr. I am on 15mg of prednisone daily. My appetite..." + (show)
Profile picture for elainepoc @elainepoc

I was diagnosed in April with pmr. I am on 15mg of prednisone daily. My appetite is way too good. I’ve decided to diet but need to determine how many oz of protein I need in a day.

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@elainepoc Same here... I need to cut calories I guess because I was way more active and went to Pilates and the gym before this started. Experts disagree on how much protein but I think about 1 gram per pound of body weight. So if you weigh 140 lbs, then 140 grams of protein. Thats on the high end and if you do resistance training....try 120 grams maybe

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barjohnson62 | @barjohnson62 | Jul 3 1:49pm
In reply to @debdan8825 "@kayept just thankful that others have also lost weight with pmr. My doctor scared me!" + (show)
Profile picture for debdan8825 @debdan8825

@kayept just thankful that others have also lost weight with pmr. My doctor scared me!

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@debdan8825

Has your doctor suggested that you may be experiencing adrenal insufficiency? Your heavy fatigue and weight loss seem to indicate that possibility. Might ask for a referral to an endocrinologist.

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debdan8825 | @debdan8825 | Jul 3 6:32pm

I had my adrenaline functioning tested last Nov and all was good.

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kjoed53 | @kjoed53 | 6 days ago
In reply to @debdan8825 "@cyndiefromnc , No, I am not on any anti-inflammatory diet. I was probably 20 lbs overweight..." + (show)
Profile picture for debdan8825 @debdan8825

@cyndiefromnc ,
No, I am not on any anti-inflammatory diet. I was probably 20 lbs overweight before getting PMR and I have lost that and then some without even trying. My doctor was concerned when I lost 8 lbs in 3 months. I just dont have much of an appetite even after the flare was gone.

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@debdan8825
Have you been stressed out over your PMR? That could account for your weight loss, and then stressing out about that could add to the effect. Ask for a complete blood work up to rule out a secondary issue that is still undiagnosed.

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loopyloo3 | @loopyloo3 | 3 days ago
In reply to @kayept "Hello all. My PMR dx was early October 2025. I lost 6 lbs, from 112 to..." + (show)
Profile picture for kayept @kayept

Hello all. My PMR dx was early October 2025. I lost 6 lbs, from 112 to 106 in 3-4 months. I was on 10 mg pred until my GCA dx in February. Then pred went up to 40 mg for 8 weeks until I began Tyenne self injections in April. I have gained 3 lbs back and am rocking along on my now 4mg pred. My healthy eating habits didn't change but, initially my appetite was diminished. I attributed the loss of appetite and weight loss to the roaring inflammation in my body. Severe or chronic inflammation speeds up metabolism resulting in muscle wasting and can cause weight loss.
Hopefully, in time, you can regain the weight you want and need.

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Can I ask what your inflammation markers were?
I have just started taking.prednisone today . I am overweight and put off taking steroids for this reason but I’ve got to the point where I’m struggling to move . I am signed off work because I have what is presenting as a frozen shoulder on one side and very limited movement in the other. I have started on 15 mg can you give me any suggestions regarding the weight

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debdan8825 | @debdan8825 | 3 days ago
In reply to @loopyloo3 "Can I ask what your inflammation markers were? I have just started taking.prednisone today . I..." + (show)
Profile picture for loopyloo3 @loopyloo3

Can I ask what your inflammation markers were?
I have just started taking.prednisone today . I am overweight and put off taking steroids for this reason but I’ve got to the point where I’m struggling to move . I am signed off work because I have what is presenting as a frozen shoulder on one side and very limited movement in the other. I have started on 15 mg can you give me any suggestions regarding the weight

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@loopyloo3 my CRP was 15 when I was dx. My Dr started me on 80mg if prednisone for 1 week and changed it every week until I hit 30mg. I was on that one month and 20mg for 3 mon then tapered off from there. My Dr was pretty aggressive but I think because he was I was able to get off prednisone at the 18th month marker. As for the weight, I was a weird one in that I lost weight on prednisone, was not dieting. I had no appetite or energy. I literally felt like my body was doing war with itself! FYI, I was scared to go on prednisone because I was already 20lbs overweight and knew I could gain weight on it. It just didn't happen with me and I dont know why .

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