I was on pred for over three years and was very lucky to avoid most of the side effects, and had no weight gain. I was already on a very low sodium, low fat diet for other reasons, and firmly believe that diet and exercise made a huge difference. Later, I found a book on pred use while doing some research for my mother in law that gives good, practical advice on coping with pred use. I had it reviewed by the NGDF staff and it is listed in the resources, I think, but is by Eugenia Zuckerman and is titled “Coping with Prednisone”, if I remember correctly. She is a flutist who had to go on steroids for a lung disorder, and she wrote the book in conjuction with her sister, who is a physician. I have a copy that I have loaned out in the past and I would be happy to do the same for you, though it is only about $13 through the online book sellers. Email me if you would like me to drop my copy in the mail to you.
Good luck,
Mag