Q and A

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

Answer: Simon Collins

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.

90 comments

  1. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Serbian,

    Weight gain is common when taking ARVs, however having a healthy lifestyle as well as eating a balanced diet can help this.
    It’s not recommended to take slimming pills when you’re using ARVs as there could be an interaction.

  2. Serbian •

    Hi, am on ARVs since 2017. I gained weight from 69 to 85. I would like to reduce my weight

    Is it safe for me to use Mega Slim Body capsules?

  3. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Mercy,

    Some herbs and supplements can interact with some ARVs. Many supplements are fine. But it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor when you take them.

    Please see this guide to a balanced diet and your health. There’s a lot of tips in this to help maintain your weight.

    And you can also ask your doctor if changing your ARVs can help you reduce your fat belly.

  4. Mercy •

    Hi, I’m HIV positive and started to use Garcinia plus softgels for fat belly. I wonder if this Garcinia tablets I’m now taking not gonna distract my arv. Pls tell me

  5. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Elsie,

    Have you switched meds? If you have what are you taking?
    Seeing as slim tea is a supplement, our advice would be to not use this.

  6. Elsie •

    Hi 41 i hv been taking ARV for 6 yrs now this yr I gain weight is it wise to take the slim tea

  7. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Nozy,

    It’s good that you’ve been taking ARVs for two years. But I’m sorry to hear you’ve gained this weight.

    Please talk to your doctor about your ARVs. That’s because some HIV meds are associated with weight gain for some women. But you can discuss this and ask about options for HIV treatment and weight loss.

    Please also discuss shingles with your doctor. You can ask for your latest CD4 and viral load results to make sure your ARVs are working as well as they should.

    You can also contact the Treatment Action Campaign at this contact link. They can give local support.

  8. Nosiviwe •

    Hi my name is Nozy from Durban

    I started using ARV’s two years ago and I’ve gained wight from 75kg to 96kg

    And I’ve started using Mama’s flat stomach tea products fr weight loss for the past one month

    But now I started to get shingles can this be coursed by the sliming product that I’m using or not?

  9. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi, Tsie

    Please see Q13 here: http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions

  10. T. Tsie •

    Good morning. Can i take slimming nut with Arv? I have gained more than 10 kg since i started the treatment.

Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *