@dsm68, @johnbishop, @megz, and all...Good conversation, but I have different experiences to report. I've taken Prednisone since I was 40 and diagnosed with Sarcoid, at that time heavy and long-term to put it in remission. I've had flares throughout the last decades and am on Prednisone as needed to meet the circumstances. At 77 now, I'm back on it for new PMR and GCA from Covid in July and was on another steroid following Covid, so now have gained 35 pounds since July! I gained 40 pounds with the Sarcoid diagnosis, had trouble losing weight, and developed other illnesses along the way, many from the steroid intake.

In the last couple of years, I lost 25 pounds, and now, the new gain is with Prednisone. I think my body doesn't process the steroids properly which affects my endocrine system causing weight gain with no additional intake of calories...although, during a painful flare I can't move as much, spend more sedentary time and so that surely contributes. I have found through the years I do well with low carb, low sugar, high protein, and now low gluten foods. I also have found my sugar is better controlled by regular, small food intake every 3-4 hours and nothing after 6-7 pm. This works for me, usually, but now I'm fighting the same issues as always...I suppose I accepted the steroid as a love/hate relationship and approached the weight with honesty and openly...Now, I'm able to have more activity so expect to begin to see the weight go down very slowly.

The doctor just changed me from Trulicity for steroid-induced diabetes, to Oxempic to help with weight loss. I also must take a diuretic any morning after gaining 3 or more pounds overnight, which I frequently do. I have primary aldosteronism, again endocrine system, and work hard to keep my blood sodium level down and my potassium levels up! It's truly a balancing act, I must stay on top of every single day, or I end up hospitalized.

So, I suppose I'm suggesting we have very different bodies and each requires we listen carefully to what it tells us, in whatever ways! Listen to our bodies, be proactive with our medical support teams, and with ourselves. We are somewhat limited in our ability to control our issues but do have the responsibility to advocate for ourselves and follow through to be our best selves. What a struggle it can be, but I am determined to get my weight down...my pain reduced, my fatigue lessened, my energy increased and my body better...

Blessings, Elizabeth