Few of us taking medications for common ailments expect this side-effect until we look down at the bathroom scales and see weve gained weight. But many medications have the potential to boost appetite, cause bloating or slow the metabolism. Here, we look at some of the worst offenders and how to fight back . . .
STEROIDS
Steroids are used to treat conditions such as allergies, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. They work by mimicking hormones in the body which regulate the metabolism and immune system so helping suppress the immune system and reducing inflammation in the body.
Life Without Bread: Ho... Best Price: $1.68 Buy New $6.58 (as of 10:46 UTC - Details)
However, an excess of steroids can mimick levels of cortisol the fight-or-flight hormone.
As the body needs more energy during stressful periods, this stress hormone redistributes fat to the stomach, where its easily accessible. Fat is also stored, for unknown reasons, on the back of the neck, a condition known as Cushings Syndrome.
Steroids also cause more sugar to be released into the blood, which ends up being stored as fat and causes fluid retention. Ashley Grossman, professor of endocrinology at Barts and the London School of Medicine, says: Normally you make steroid hormones yourself, but if by taking these drugs you have excess in the body, you can balloon out.
Alternative Cures: Mor... Best Price: $1.34 Buy New $6.80 (as of 01:05 UTC - Details)
It may be worth accepting these effects if the disease that youre being treated for is much worse. But in general, doctors try to use them at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest periods of time.
POSSIBLE GAIN: Patients on steroids can increase their weight by 7 per cent or more. Some studies have found patients gain up to 28lb with longer term use.
WHAT TO DO: Talk to your doctor about taking steroids on alternate days, instead of daily. For some milder conditions, such as allergies, patients can ask about switching to a prescription-strength aspirin and ibuprofen, which help to reduce inflammation.
The Paleo Solution: Th... Best Price: $0.25 Buy New $15.89 (as of 12:40 UTC - Details)
DIABETES DRUGS
Many people with type 2 diabetes are prescribed drugs called sulfonylureas which work by stimulating the body to make more insulin to lower high blood sugar levels. But sometimes these drugs cause blood sugars to drop so far that they spark hunger, making patients eat more.
The other diabetes drugs linked to weight gain are Thiazolidinediones (TZDs). They help make the body more sensitive to insulin so it better controls blood sugar levels, but also make the body hold onto salt, sparking swelling and weight gain.
POSSIBLE GAIN: Studies have found that sulfonylureas lead to weight gain of 6 to 10lb during the first 12 months of therapy. TZDs have been linked to minor increases from 1lb to 5lb over a year.
WHAT TO DO: Diabetes UK says there are many alternatives including drugs called prandial glucose regulators and metformin, which seem not to have the side-effect of weight gain.
September 1, 2010