Question
How do weight loss tablets interact with ARVs?
9 February 2010. Related: All topics, Drug interactions, Supplements and herbs.
Hi there again.
I wonder if you could give me some advice on side-effects.
I have recently purchased ALLI slimming tablets as I am really struggling to lose weight. I swim 30-50 lengths 3 times a week and eat fairly healthy with the odd curry every now and then and drink only on a Saturday, which I consider normal.
I am 36 years old, 5ft 7 inches tall, weigh 12 stone and have a BMI of 26.1, so I
Answer
Thank you for your question.
I understand how frustrating it can feel to eat healthily and exercise without loosing weight. However, whilst Alli has been shown to be effective at small weight loss in conjunction with a balanced diet, it may not be right for everyone.
Alli is from the trade name for a drug called orlistat. It works by preventing the fats in your diet from being absorbed, and they are passed though you unabsorbed (hence side effects of wind (flatulence), diarrhoea and messy underwear.
Hi Patricia, have you always been on the same treatment for HIV? and you did not notice any changes in your body for the first 7 years you were on treatment?
From 2015 do you know how much weight have you lost? and has this been intentional e.g., more active lifestyle, change in diet etc…? or have you noticed the weight loss without trying?
In the l9 years that you have been experiencing this have you noticed if you are losing weight generally or is it from specific parts of your body? and what have you tried to regain this weight?
Do you know what your current CD4 count and viral load is? As you had been on treatment for 7 years prior to any of these changes, it is unlikely that your meds are the cause of this weight loss. As long as both your CD4 count and viral load are within healthy ranges it suggests that this weight loss is not HIV associated.
It is good that your doctor has said you have a healthy weight. I do recognise why this can still be concerning for yourself. Has your doctor suggested anything you can try to help increase your weight/return to what you did in 2015? Or have they done any other investigations to look for other causes that might be leading to this weight loss?
Hi I’m 52yrs old m on Arv’s since 2008 m losing weight since 2015 up until now what can I used to gain weight again coz whn I speak to my Dr jst said my weight its fyn not to stress abt it,bt I knw my body it’s not me anymore pls help
Hi Lisa, I am sorry to hear about this weight gain and how you are feeling. What is the name of the HIV treatment you are taking?
How long have you been on the treatment? and how much weight have you gained over what time period?
Has anything else in your life changed that could have contributed to this weight gain e.g., eating more, changed in lifestyle activity, other illnesses, etc…
Hi there, I have gained a lot of weight after taking my treatment and it’s working on my mental health always stressing. Iam not even comfortable going out of the house always indoors because people always ask why I gained so much weigh, please help.
Hi Tumi, what is the name of the fat burners you want to take?
Fat burners change how your body digests food. This can risk your ARVs not being absorbed properly by your tummy.
To avoid this interaction it would be advised to take your ARVs and the fat burners at different ends of the day. This is long enough to prevent any risk of interaction between the two.
Hi is it safe to us organix fat burners whilst on arv’s
Hi Thembisile, yes you can drink herbex while on RVS. Both of these are not going to interact with the other.
Can I drink herbex while I’m RVS treatment?
Hi Mary, what is the name of the ARVs you are taking? This is a link about weight loss while you are on treatment: https://i-base.info/htb/40717
Hey I got 3months taking my arv but now am gaining so much weight what can I use to reduce weight