Q and A

Question

What can I do about the weight gain around my tummy and breasts?

I am HIV positive and I am on ARV treatment but the treatment is making me gain weight especially around my breasts and tummy. Is it safe to take slimming powders or weight loosing products?

Answer

Thank you for your question.

If you are gaining weight around your stomach and breasts then it is likely that you are experiencing lipodystrophy which is a fat disorder. Lipodystrophy is a common side effect of HIV medication which has been reported with nearly every combination. Lipodystrophy involves fat accumulating in the abdomen (stomach), breasts, shoulders, neck and is sometimes exaggerated by fat loss from the arms, legs, buttocks and face.

During lipodystrophy fat builds up around your organs rather than under your skin which happens during ‘normal’ weight gain. Slimming powers and weight loss products do not generally work on the fat built up around your organs.

However, there are some things you can do. For a start you could speak to your HIV doctor about changing the HIV treatments you are taking. Additional treatments are explained in detail in this previous question and in the lipodystrophy section of the i-Base guide to ‘Avoiding and managing side effects’

144 comments

  1. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Nomathalenta, apetito pills help you gain weight by increasing your appetite meaning you will eat more. It does not directly cause weight gain in specific areas of your body.

  2. Nomathalenta

    I would like to.know if the apetito will make my weight gain and my bums also

  3. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Tuelo, I am sorry to hear that you are feeling depressed. Are you able to talk with anyone around you about how you are feeling e.g., friends/family or your doctor?

    How much weight have you gained and over what time period? and what is the name of the HIV treatment you have been taking?

    Some HIV medications can lead to weight gain. Most commonly this is with TLD. TLD contains dolutegravir which can cause an increase in weight. It increases your appetite meaning over the first few years, some people may experience a 10% weight gain.

    Has anything else in your life changed recently that could contribute to this weight gain e.g., change in diet, change in sleep, doing less exercise ect…?

    And what you tried to help lose this weight?

  4. Tuelo

    Hi

    I’m taking ARVs and lately I have noticed big changes in my body, I’m gaining weight on my tummy, breasts, neck and shoulders and my legs look like they are shrinking

    I’m depressed as I don’t like how I look… Please help

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