Will taking dexamethasone injections for 3-5 days cause weight gain?

Generally speaking, dexamethasone injection refers to the injection of dexamethasone acetate. Whether dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection administered over 3-5 days will cause weight gain needs to be analyzed according to specific circumstances. If used in low doses, it generally will not cause weight gain; however, if the patient is particularly sensitive to hormones and also has unhealthy lifestyle habits, weight gain may occur. If any discomfort arises, please seek medical attention promptly and undergo symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Dexamethasone injection refers to dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection. Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid hormone commonly used for anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and immunosuppressive treatments. Short-term use at low doses generally does not cause significant weight gain. This is because the metabolic effects of the hormone are limited in the short term and insufficient to significantly alter body weight.

Even with short-term use, if the patient is particularly sensitive to hormones and also has unhealthy lifestyle habits such as high-calorie diet and lack of exercise, slight weight changes may still occur. This is because glucocorticoids promote fat synthesis, inhibit fat breakdown, and cause redistribution of fat, especially accumulating in areas such as the abdomen and face, thereby leading to weight gain.

Patients are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including balanced nutrition and appropriate physical activity, to help control body weight.