What is the most common side effect of corticosteroids?

Weight gain is indeed the most common side effect associated with corticosteroid therapy. This side effect arises due to a combination of factors, including increased appetite, fluid retention, and alterations in metabolism. Corticosteroids can stimulate appetite, leading to increased caloric intake, and can also cause the body to retain sodium and water, resulting in weight gain.

Understanding how corticosteroids impact the body helps in recognizing why other options are less common. Dizziness, while it can occur with various medications, is not a hallmark side effect of corticosteroids and is generally less frequently associated. Nausea can result from numerous factors, including other medications or underlying conditions, and is not specifically linked to corticosteroid use. Similarly, dry mouth is not commonly reported with corticosteroid treatment, as it is more frequently associated with other classes of medications or conditions.

Thus, recognizing weight gain as a prominent side effect of corticosteroids is crucial for patient management and education, emphasizing the importance of monitoring weight and dietary habits during treatment.