Typhoid fever is a serious illness caused by the bacteria Salmonella Typhi. It spreads mainly through contaminated food and water, especially in areas with poor sanitation. Typhoid is not only uncomfortable but can also cause noticeable changes in your body, including weight fluctuations. Many people wonder if typhoid can lead to weight gain or weight loss — the answer mostly leans towards weight loss. Let’s understand why that happens.
Common Typhoid Fever Symptoms
Typhoid fever usually begins with a high, continuous fever that can last for days or even weeks. Other common symptoms include:
- Weakness and tiredness
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Skin rashes (in some cases)
In some people, the symptoms start slowly, getting worse over time. For others, the illness can hit suddenly and cause severe discomfort.
Typhoid and Appetite: Why Do You Stop Eating?
One of the main reasons people lose weight during typhoid fever is due to a reduced appetite. When you’re ill, your body naturally lowers its desire to eat. This is particularly true with typhoid, where nausea, abdominal pain, and fever make food less appealing. Some people feel too weak or too sick to eat properly for days at a time.
Also, the digestive system is often affected. Typhoid can inflame parts of the intestines, making it uncomfortable to digest food. As a result, people may eat very little, leading to a calorie deficit and gradual weight loss.
Can Typhoid Cause Weight Gain?
While weight loss is much more common, some people may feel they’ve gained weight during the recovery period. This could be due to water retention, changes in metabolism during bed rest, or overcompensation when appetite returns. However, genuine weight gain directly due to typhoid is rare.
In most cases, any weight gain happens after the illness when people are recovering, eating more, and resting more. It’s your body’s way of restoring lost energy. But during the actual infection, weight loss is the more common issue.
Typhoid Weight Loss: How Much is Normal?
The amount of weight lost during typhoid depends on the severity of the illness and how long it lasts. People with prolonged fevers, repeated vomiting, or chronic typhoid may lose several kilos, especially if they’re not able to keep food down.
If typhoid is left untreated or not managed well, weight loss can become extreme. That’s why early diagnosis and proper treatment are so important.
Typhoid Diagnosis and Treatment
Experts usually diagnose typhoid through a blood test, stool test, or sometimes a bone marrow test in rare cases. If you suspect you have typhoid — especially if you’ve travelled to an area where it is common — it’s vital to get medical help quickly.
Treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics. These medicines help kill the bacteria and ease the symptoms. Most people recover fully within a few weeks, although fatigue and poor appetite can last longer.
Typhoid Fever Complications to Watch Out For
If not treated early, typhoid can lead to serious complications such as:
- Intestinal bleeding
- Severe dehydration
- Liver or spleen issues
- Infection spreading to other organs
These complications can make recovery longer and weight loss worse. In some severe cases, hospitalisation is needed.
Getting Back to a Healthy Weight After Typhoid
Once the fever subsides and antibiotics start working, your appetite should gradually return. Eating small, nutritious meals regularly can help restore lost weight. If weight loss is severe, or you still feel very weak weeks after the illness, it’s wise to speak to our pharmacist for advice on recovery. Feeling weak or losing too much weight due to typhoid? Book an appointment at Touchwood Pharmacy today. Our expert pharmacists can help you regain your strength. Don’t wait until it gets worse — take control of your health now.
