What is a common adverse effect of corticosteroid use?

Corticosteroids are known to cause a variety of side effects, and one of the most common among these is an increased appetite. This effect can lead to weight gain when corticosteroids are used over extended periods. The mechanisms behind this increase in appetite involve alterations in metabolism, as well as changes in hormonal signals that regulate hunger and satiety.

Patients may find themselves consuming more food than usual, which is often coupled with other metabolic effects such as fluid retention, further contributing to the potential for weight gain. Understanding this side effect is crucial for managing patients on corticosteroids, as dietary adjustments may be necessary to mitigate this effect and maintain a healthy weight during treatment.