Long-term antibiotic treatment for Q fever causes weight gain

Scientists have unearthed still more evidence that antibiotics can contribute to obesity. Research suggests that patients on long-term antibiotic treatment gained weight and had significant changes in their gut microbiota. The study followed 48 patients who were being treated long-term with doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine for Q fever, and 34 control subjects. Nearly one quarter of the treated patients gained anywhere from two to 13 kg (five to 30 lbs), while none of the controls exhibited weight gain. Patients typically received treatment for 18 months.

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