Table of Contents
I. Does Advair cause weight gain?
II. Tips for losing weight with asthma
b. Never stop taking your medication
IV. Save on Advair and asthma medication
Does Advair Cause Weight Gain?
Between wheezing, trouble breathing, and tightness in the chest, asthma symptoms can feel like they’re controlling your life. Being prescribed a new medication to manage your asthma better is usually good news. But you might worry asthma medications will cause changes in your body. So, does Advair cause weight gain? Not necessarily. Some oral steroids within asthma inhalers can slow the metabolism in some cases, but it is typically not a serious side effect of asthma drugs. Asthma also inhibits the ability to participate in physical exercises, which is more likely to impact a person's weight gain.
Advair Diskus features two active drugs. One is fluticasone, a steroid that reduces inflammation in the respiratory system. The other drug, salmeterol, works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing. [1]
The steroids that ease inflammation in the lungs can alter the metabolism and increase your appetite. This effect depends on your dosage and the type of inhaler you use. But unlike ones taken in pill form, inhaled steroids aren’t likely to be the leading cause of weight gain.
Steroids are inhaled straight into the lung, which means that only a small amount of the drug enters the bloodstream. This amount is so small that it is unlikely that inhaled oral steroids will affect your weight. [2]
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Tips for losing weight with asthma
If you are worried about how to shed pounds while suffering from asthma, try these 6 tips:
See Your Doctor
When asthma symptoms regularly interfere with life, you might need a change in medication or dosage. With better control over your asthma, you can feel more confident in exercising regularly.
Walk
High-intensity cardio activities, like running, stress your respiratory system. For similar health benefits without the severe impact on your joints and lungs, incorporate walking into your daily routine. Whether you walk to run errands, during a lunch break at work, or as a way to catch up with friends, taking more steps expends calories without taxing your lungs.
Yoga
Yoga has programs for people of all ages and fitness levels, making it the perfect activity for asthmatics. Not only does yoga improve flexibility and strength, but you’ll learn breathing techniques that control asthma symptoms.
Low Impact or Interval Sports
Games that require lots of running without frequent breaks are tough for players with asthma. This can make activities like soccer and basketball difficult for asthmatics. Instead, try a sport like baseball that combines bursts of activity with down-time in the dugout. Golf also offers up a great way to walk several miles without feeling bored, although there’s no guarantee you won’t be frustrated with your short game.
Weight Lifting
Resistance training with weights or bands builds muscle, burns fat, and improves performance during other physical activity.
Exercise Indoors
Cold, dry air can trigger symptoms, making outdoor exercise in the winter a turn-off for many people with asthma. If seasonal allergens like pollen and ragweed trigger your asthma, spring months are best spent inside. Stay active during these seasons by working out at the gym or take advantage of low-impact indoor activities like racquet sports or swimming. [4]
What NOT to do
People with a BMI of 30 or higher are at a greater risk of having asthma. Losing weight appears to improve asthma symptoms. But people with asthma often avoid exercise out of fear it will trigger symptoms. [3]
If you think you are gaining weight due to your inhaler medications, you should contact your doctor instead of taking matters into your own hands. You can always talk to your doctor about workout routines and healthy eating tips.
a. Don’t avoid exercise
Exercise is still very possible for those with asthma. Not all asthma is caused by exercise, and many triggers that can cause an asthma flare-up. Pollen in the air can cause asthma symptoms during exercise, as well as a workout that is a bit too intense. It is important to find the right exercise for you and your level of activity.
b. Never stop taking your medication
The effect of skipping your medication can far outweigh a bit of weight gain. Risking an asthma attack isn’t worth not taking your medication. Never go cold-turkey on your medication due to a worry of Advair weight gain. [2]
Save on Advair and Asthma Medication
Asthma and weight loss have a tricky relationship, but following these tips can make physical activity safer and more accessible. If you rely on medication to help keep your asthma under control, buying Advair from Canada Meds United saves you money with each prescription refill.
DISCLAIMER: The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.