How Much Weight Loss After Steroids?

Excessive weight gain is a common phenomenon from which many people today suffer. But how much they gain largely depends upon the type of steroids they take, the duration they take, and of course, their diet and their body’s metabolism. So before we talk about how much and how weight can be lost after steroids, it is better to understand why weight is gained with the use of steroids in the first place.

Get to Know About Steroids:

When we use the word ‘Steroids,’ the image that pops up is of bodybuilders, weight lifters, and notorious athletes. But many other kinds of steroids are all too commonly prescribed by physicians to their patients.

There are anabolic steroids, which are used by athletes and bodybuilders because these steroids are aimed at building muscle mass and strength. Then there are the different types of steroids, known as corticosteroids, prescribed by doctors to treat numerous medical conditions.

Why are Steroids Commonly Prescribed?

The corticosteroids commonly prescribed to patients include cortisone, cortisone, prednisone, and many others of such corticosteroid variety. Numerous diseases and medical conditions are treated with the use of these steroids; these conditions include,

• Addison’s Disease
• Asthma
• Arthritis
• Allergies
• Autoimmune Disorders
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Dermatitis
• Bell’s Palsy
• Organ Transplants
• Post Operative Recovery
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Lyme Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis, and many more.

It is evident from the list above that the use of corticosteroids is fairly common. The steroids artificially boost the healing or recovery process; therefore, they are administered under doctors' supervision for a particular period.

How are Corticosteroids Administered?

While some corticosteroids can be given through inhalers or sprays, others can be administered orally with the use of tablets, capsules, liquid medications or applied topically, such as creams, ointments, lotions, and eye drops. For someone who suffers from a chronic condition, these doses are usually administered over long periods, which quickly leads to many commonly witnessed side effects.

Corticosteroids and Side Effects:

Some commonly registered side effects of Corticosteroids are increased appetite, fat redistribution, frustration, emotional instability, decreased metabolism, and depression. But one very pronounced side effect is weight gain.

Corticosteroids and Weight Gain:

Consumption of steroids over the long term can have adverse side effects on the body’s metabolism and how and where the body stores the excess fat. Fat redistribution usually occurs around the face, back of the neck, and abdomen.

When the metabolism in the body slows down, the result is that the body starts craving more food, and that is usually translated into satiating carbs and a sugary diet. As a consequence, the person starts to gain a lot of weight. Generally, excessive fat is deposited around the area of the belly.

Corticosteroids also cause water retention in the body. This is because they disrupt the balance of sodium, water, and electrolytes in the body and lead to weight gain.

Weight Loss After Steroids:

It is quite possible to weight loss that is gained during corticosteroid cycles. For some, it is easier as compared to others. It largely depends upon how the weight was gained. As mentioned, while some steroids cause a redistribution of fat cells, others increase the patient's appetite, leading to overeating and weight gain. And then there are those steroids that cause the retention of water. Therefore, how soon or how much one loses weight after steroids are still debatable, and there is no single answer.

Must Read: The Most Effective Growth Hormone Protocol for Fat Loss

How Can Weight Be Managed During Steroid Administration?

Several things can be done to manage weight effectively while on steroids.

• Control your salt intake during the period that you are on steroids. A high-potassium diet also helps. Both these things will help your body limit water retention. A good way of controlling yourself is by removing the salt shaker from the table and crossing out processed and packaged food from the diet.

• Watching your diet and controlling your appetite is another effective way of limiting excessive weight gain. The most crucial step in this direction is realizing that your appetite has recently increased due to the medicines you are taking. Keep a close eye on the calories that you are taking.

• An increase in physical activity is also going to help a lot in curbing those unsightly fat deposits in the body. There is no need to indulge in something strenuous if your body doesn’t allow it. A simple brisk walking or swimming session will also help a lot.

You can also check out Our Best Steroid Cycles: 5 Best Steroid Cycles for Beginners, 5 Best Steroid Cycles for 2019