Pulkit Samrat reveals malaria cost him ‘2.5 kg muscle, fair bit of strength’

Pulkit Samrat recently disclosed that malaria caused him to lose 2.5 kg of muscle and a significant amount of strength. The actor explained to Instagram Stories that he did not anticipate the mosquito-borne disease would have such a profound impact on his physique. Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites, can result in high fever, chills, sweating, weakness, and fatigue, according to Dr Manjusha Agarwal, an internal medicine consultant at Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai.

When someone loses 2.5 kg of muscle, it refers to a 2.5 kg reduction in lean muscle mass, not necessarily a 2.5 kg decrease in total body weight, Dr Agarwal explained. Dr Amit Saraf, director of internal medicine at Jupiter Hospital Thane, noted that people often consume less food while their energy requirements increase during illness.

Consequently, the body may draw on stored energy, including muscle tissue, to meet its demands, leading to a drop in weight. However, not all weight loss is due to muscle loss; it can also be attributed to fluid loss and reduced food intake. Recovery from malaria is gradual, and tiredness and reduced physical capacity may persist for some time even after the infection has been treated.

The focus during recovery should be on consuming adequate protein and calories, staying well-hydrated, getting sufficient sleep, and gradually resuming physical activity. Persistent weakness, dizziness, recurrent fever, poor appetite, or difficulty performing routine activities after recovery should be taken seriously and evaluated by a healthcare professional.