HomeAnswersNutritionisttuberculosisI have had tuberculosis, and I am gaining weight in the belly area. How to cure it?

How to discipline diet structure in a patient with a history of tuberculosis?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Suneetha B S

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At December 25, 2022
Reviewed AtDecember 28, 2022

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have had tuberculosis for the past year, and I am on medications. Some months back, I skipped the medicines for a month because I was fed up with taking the medicines. I am also taking medicines for fungal infections on the skin of my feet, and I am just gaining weight and becoming heavier. My main concern is not getting obese, but I am concerned about my belly fat. My work shift is fixed for 12 hours and six days a week. I take Monticope tablet for my breathing problem sometimes. I often have masala tea with extra sugar in breaks and switch between fast food. I rarely eat at home; only sometimes do I eat home cooked meals. How should I discipline my diet structure? I eat anything and everything, and I know that is not right.

Answered by Dr. Suneetha B S

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. First of all, we need to talk about your tuberculosis treatment. Even though your symptoms might have disappeared, you need to complete the entire course of treatment; otherwise, there is a high chance of relapse with a more resistant strain of bacteria, in which case the regular dose of medicine may not work. Moreover, you are also exposing your family and friends to the risk of infection. I recommend that you meet your doctor as soon as possible and talk about completing the treatment. Please do not take this lightly.

Regarding the weight issue, you have answered your own question. You cannot make any changes to your appearance without making changes in your lifestyle. First of all, you have to restrict eating food outside to just one meal a week. Try to make time for home-cooked food to improve your health. Eggs and chicken are necessary during the acute phase of tuberculosis treatment. Talk about this with your doctor when you discuss the treatment. I cannot comment on that because I do not know at what phase of treatment you stopped taking medicines. Avoid quick meals and cook meals using fresh ingredients. Increase your intake of fresh fruits and raw or semi-cooked vegetables. Reduce intake of sugar and increase intake of water. Try to do 30 to 45 minutes of brisk walking daily. These tips will definitely help you lose weight. Most importantly, meet your doctor and discuss the completion of tuberculosis treatment.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Suneetha B S
Dr. Suneetha B S

Diabetology

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