Question
I am not on ARVs but gaining weight, what does this mean?
6 September 2016. Related: All topics, Side effects, South Africa, Starting treatment.
I tested HIV positive 2 years back and never took ARVs but I’m gaining weight. Isn’t it that a person with HIV should lose weight if not on medication?
Answer
Hi,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Have you considered starting treatment? Treatment is also effective at preventing transmission of HIV if you feel that the other benefits are not appropriate for you at the moment. Please see here for more on starting treatment.
You are right that untreated HIV is more likely to lead to weight loss over weight gain. However, everyone is different and this does not necessarily mean that if you don’t lose weight you shouldn’t consider meds.
It’s also worth noting that weight gain can be unhealthy depending on your lifestyle and diet. That’s why it’s important to discuss this with your doctor an they can assess why you are gaining weight and if that is good for your general health.
Hi Monica, what treatment were you taking before? and what else has changed in your life? How long ago did you stop?
I’m HIV positive and stopped taking ARV’s after 6 yeas being on treatment.Since I stopped I have gained about 25kg.
Is there any explanation for this
Hi John Lee, home test kits look for anti-bodies. There is no end to this window period. If you had HIV, these tests would be reactive and show a positive result. Please follow this link for more information: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
Hi, I am curious about one thing.
4 years ago I had unprotected sex. I did several Home HIV test kits this year 2022 and they were negative.
My question is, does the HIV HOME TEST KIT detects HIV even after four years? I am afraid that the tests I had have shown negative results because it is beyond the window period. What do you think?
Your response is highly appreciated.
Hi Bevery, how are you both coping? Do you know what your viral load and CD4 count is?
And do you know if you are both starting the same treatment? If you are and you are both taking your medication as instructed it will be okay to continue having sex with each other without a condom.
Hi am bevery from south africa me and my husband just discovered we are HIV positive and we are expecting immediately we were put on medication is it possible for us to continue having sex minus using a condom.
Hi Cleverly,
i-Base doesn’t have resources to answer more questions on HIV risk and transmission.
But all frequently asked questions are answered at this link.
Am Cleverly from Zambia I had unprotected sex with my girlfriend in September last year and I last month I went for vct I tested negative but am not feeling hi free
Hi Hiiii,
This looks like confirmation that you continue to be HIV negative. But please see your doctor about your stomach issues.
Hiii…sir this is from India …in the year 2017 I had sex with a female whom I met through app …it was unprotected sex …but after few weeks I experienced symptoms ….but from then I have stomach issues …I have been testing continuously every 3 months for almost 2 years and 6 months
P24 is negative
Antibody test all time negative
Tridot test negative
After all these I still feel I am not hiv free
Am I perfectly fine sir