Corticosteroid-induced lipodystrophy (CIL) is a condition of abnormal fat deposition caused by corticosteroid medications.
[1] Fat accumulates in the facial area ("moon face"), dorsocervical region ("buffalo hump"), and abdominal area ("pot belly" or "beer belly"), whereas the thickness of subcutaneous fat in the limbs is decreased.
[1] The resulting appearance has been described as "Cushingoid",[1] in relation to the fact that it also occurs in individuals with Cushing's syndrome (abnormally high cortisol levels).
[1] It has been said that data on risk factors for CIL, such as corticosteroid dosage or duration of therapy, is surprisingly sparse.
[1] CIL is not merely an aesthetic adverse effect, as it has been associated with features of metabolic syndrome such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and high blood pressure.