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Published on: 7/15/2026

Do steroids cause weight gain?

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Yes, steroids can cause weight gain. Corticosteroids like prednisone often lead to increased appetite, fluid retention, and fat redistribution—typically around the face, abdomen, and back of the neck. Anabolic steroids can also increase weight, primarily through muscle mass gain and water retention.

The amount of weight gained depends on the type of steroid, dosage, and duration of use. Long-term or high-dose corticosteroid use is more likely to cause noticeable weight changes, while short courses may have minimal impact.

Weight gain isn't the only possible side effect, and other symptoms may signal that your body is reacting in ways worth investigating. Because steroid-related changes can overlap with other health conditions, it's important to understand exactly what's driving your symptoms before deciding on next steps. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you quickly identify possible causes, understand urgency, and prepare for an informed conversation with your doctor—all in just a few minutes.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Steroids, specifically glucocorticoids, can lead to weight gain. This is due to changes in how the body stores fat and how hungry you feel.

How Steroids Affect Weight:

  1. Fat Storage: Long-term use of steroids can make your body store more fat, especially around the belly.
  2. Increased Appetite: Steroids can make you feel hungrier, which might cause you to eat more than usual.

Studies on Steroids and Weight Gain:

  • One study found that people on long-term steroid therapy often gain weight.
  • Another study showed that children on steroids can also gain weight, leading to obesity.
  • Steroids can affect hormones that control hunger, like leptin, making you want to eat more.

If you are worried about weight gain while taking steroids, use our free AI symptom checker to better understand your symptoms and talk to your doctor about ways to manage it.

(References)

  • Fardet L, Nazareth I, & Petersen I. (2021). Long-term systemic glucocorticoid therapy and weight gain. Rheumatology (Oxford, England), 32864693.

  • Merritt RJ, Hack SL, Kalsch M, & Olson D. (1986). Corticosteroid therapy-induced obesity in children. Clinical pediatrics, 3948457.

  • Uddén J, Björntorp P, Arner P, Barkeling B, Meurling L, & Rössner S. (2003). Effects of glucocorticoids on leptin levels and eating .... Journal of internal medicine, 12542564.

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