With the proliferation of viral dieting trends, where before-and-after pictures and diets promising rapid weight loss are increasingly common, many young people have started aspiring to lose weight quickly. Social media is flooded with trends that claim to help people shed kilos through restrictive diets and other extreme methods. However, while these techniques may help you lose weight quickly, they could also be significantly harming your overall well-being.
Recently, doctors have been witnessing a concerning trend. Dr Anita Mathew, Director - Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital Mulund, Mumbai, says that an increasing number of young patients with a history of rapid weight loss and poor nutrition are being diagnosed with TB after being admitted to hospitals for other illnesses.
What is the connection between crash diets and TB?
Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria, but not everyone exposed to the infection develops the disease. The strength of a person's immune system is one of the key factors that determines whether the infection remains dormant or becomes active.
According to Dr Mathew, crash diets, highly restrictive eating habits and fad diets that eliminate entire food groups can deprive the body of the nutrients it needs to fight infections. When combined with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes and a sedentary lifestyle, the immune system can become significantly weakened.
When rapid weight loss became a health emergency
Dr Mathew narrated the case of a 30-year-old man living with obesity and diabetes who chose to lose weight rapidly by following an extremely restrictive diet similar to a ketogenic crash diet.
The patient was initially admitted with dengue fever. However, doctors found that his symptoms were far more severe than expected. Further investigations revealed lung abnormalities, and he was eventually diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis.
Although the patient had been admitted with dengue fever, Dr Mathew explained that his compromised immune system, along with his metabolic condition, had likely allowed latent tuberculosis to become active.
Body shaming led to dangerous dieting
Another case involved a 16-year-old girl who adopted extreme food restriction after experiencing body shaming in college.
Within a few months, she had lost nearly 15-16 kg. She subsequently developed a persistent high fever along with chest and abdominal pain. Despite visiting several healthcare centres, the cause remained unknown until detailed investigations and a biopsy confirmed that she had tuberculosis.
She recovered successfully after four months of appropriate anti-tuberculosis treatment. This case illustrates the serious health risks associated with unhealthy weight-loss practices.
Why persistent fever shouldn't be ignored during the monsoon
The monsoon season is generally associated with diseases such as dengue and malaria, leading many people to assume that every fever is linked to a seasonal illness.
However, Dr Mathew advises that if a fever persists beyond the expected duration, is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, or if imaging tests reveal abnormalities, tuberculosis should not be ruled out. Looking beyond the obvious diagnosis can make a crucial difference in ensuring timely treatment.
How to lose weight without compromising your immunity
The solution isn't to avoid weight loss. Rather, it is to lose weight in a way that improves your overall health.
According to Dr Mathew, this involves:
- Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet that includes all food groups.
- Losing weight gradually and sustainably.
- Exercising regularly.
- Getting enough sleep.
- Consulting a doctor before starting a restrictive diet.
- Losing weight under medical supervision if you have an existing medical condition.
Being healthy is more than what your weighing machine shows
The desire to look a certain way may motivate people to follow restrictive diet plans, but the long-term consequences of such practices are often overlooked. As Dr Anita Mathew points out, weight loss should improve your health, not compromise it.
A strong immune system is supported by a balanced diet, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle. As infectious diseases continue to evolve alongside changing lifestyles, protecting your immune system is more important than ever.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.
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