Question
What can i do to help loose weight?
21 September 2015. Related: All topics, Living with HIV long-term, Side effects.
I’m on ARV’s and trying to drink lemon juice 3 times a day. I try to eat less than i used to. I’m also a vegetarian but my weight still bothers me. What can i do?
Answer
Before answering you question it is important to understand more about your situation.
- Are you worried about recent weight gain?
- Is this something that you think is linked to HIV treatment?
- How much has your weight changed and how much are you trying to loose?
- How has the wieght affected your body shape?
This information is all essential before we can help becasue the options for what to do are different in each situation.
The information below is therefore very general, but might still help.
Making sure you have a good diet and exercise regime usually can slowly lead to weight loss. This might not happen quickly but take a while. It is good that you are already doing this but I’m not sure that the lemon juice is having a direct effect – unless you like this.
It is more healthy to steadily loose a little weight each month than trying to lose as much weight as possible in a short time.
How active are you? Becoming more active – even walking for longer each day – will help most people burn off calories.
If you have already changes to a reduced calori diet and exercise but have not lost weight, then speak to you clinic or doctor. They may be able to refer you to a specialist.
If the weight you have gained is in specific areas, rather than general weight it may have something to do with your HIV treatment.
You can also ask you doctors if the ARV’s you are on are linked to this kind of side effect.
You can find more information about losing weight and HIV online.
Dear Eunice. I am sorry that yopu are having these body changes. I know this must be difficult. What does your doctor say?
I recently answer this question about weight gain, which explains so of the options:
https://i-base.info/qa/22015
Your inbdividual history is also important.
How long have you been taking HIV meds? Do you remember your CD4 count when you started.
Also, what are the names of your current meds?
I’m on arv but my weight is abnormal my upper body is bigger and my lower body is small my legs and my thighs and my bum what can I use to gain a weight
Hi Jacoline, I am sorry to hear that you are stressed and depressed about your weight. How long have you been feeling like this?
Have you tried to loose weight previously? Medication is not usually used for weight loss. What ARVs are you taking?
There are a number of factors that change someones weight inc. diet, exercise and stress. How are you eating and are you active? This is a link to a healthy lifestyle guide which may give you a few ideas to consider: https://i-base.info/guides/side/lifestyle-and-quality-of-life
I’m on ARV since 2013 my weight is 96,5kg I’m 1,6m tall I’m always stressed and depressed about my weight what medication can I take to loose weight
Hi Nono,
That’s great. Thanks for letting us know.
Iam on treatment i excesize every morning and drink lemon water,my weight is getting better,for me i dnt have any side effects.
Hi Nombuso,
Weight loss to ARVs isn’t something that is common, drastic weight loss definelty isn’t. If you’re having issues with weight loss, please consult your doctor.
I am on HIV treatment but I’m loosing weight drastically what can I use to help me