Question: Can diet drugs be useful to take off the weight I gained from Cushing’s? Are there any special diet drug considerations for those who had Cushing’s?

Answer: Patients who have been successfully treated for Cushing’s syndrome are typically left with many of the effects of long-term cortisol excess and weight gain is common, prominent, and difficult to deal with. It is important to remember that the weight gain of Cushing’s has occurred over many months and usually over many years so that it takes time to lose weight. In addition, Cushing’s typically causes muscle weakness and muscle damage so that exercise may initially be more difficult than in patients who have not had Cushing’s but who are trying to lose weight. The good news though it that weight loss can and does occur but it takes time.

Diet drugs on the whole are quite ineffective and the best of the drugs available cause minimal weight loss and typically have side effects. Some diet drugs can cause blood pressure and heart problems which make them even more problematic for patients who have had Cushing’s. Overall the best and most effective weight loss occurs with a visit to a nutritionist for a sound, balanced and healthy diet plan with adequate protein and nutrients. A gradual exercise program is absolutely key. It can begin with something as simple as gradual walking, or water exercises and the addition of aerobic exercise and then weight training to deal with the muscle weakness so common in this condition. A physical therapist or personal trainer might also be helpful.

By Dr. Anne Klibanski MD (Fall, 2009)