Question
I have been losing weight while on ARVs, is there anything I can do?
4 April 2022. Related: All topics, Living with HIV long-term, Side effects.
Hi I’m Sheila, I’ve been on ARVs for 12 years now but I am truly depressed of the the way I’m losing body fat. I don’t want to look at myself in the mirror. Is there any other medicine I can use just to help me gain weight?
Answer
Hi Sheila, I am sorry to hear how depressed you are feeling. Have you been able to speak with anyone about this?
Have you been taking ARVs since you were diagnosed 12 years ago? and what combination are you taking? Some combinations of HIV medications have greater impacts on weight that others
Where have you lost weight from? Regaining weight can be difficult and unfortunately can take a while – just like it takes a while to lose the weight.
There are no medications to replace this lost weight, however that does not mean there are not things you can try.
Losing weight in the legs and arms, people can find success in building muscle where they have lost fat. If it is a generalised loss of weight have you increased how much food you are eating?
There are a number of factors that affect your weight, not all related to HIV. If you are stressed, very active, eating a little and even genetics can all influence your weight. If you are looking to increase how much food you are eating I have attached a guide to the i-base healthy lifestyle guide.
More specific sites of weight loss, namely the face can be read about here. While there are no medications, injections are available to recover lost definition in the face if this would be suitable for you.
Josh.
Hello Zotsho and thanks for getting in touch.
Have you discussed this with your doctor?
They need to be documenting your weight in your notes and make sure they monitor any changes.
Also, what medication are you taking?
Losing weight might be the effect of certain ARVs. So another combination might suit you better.
Finally, this is a link to our well-being guide.
https://i-base.info/guides/side/diet-a-balanced-diet-and-your-health
Please take a look at the balanced diet and exercise sections which should help you gain back weight in a healthy way.
However, this can take some time, so you don’t need to worry.
Good morning
The time I started ARVs I was losing weight, and I don’t know why. I used to be big, my size used to be 46 but now I am 40. Please can you help me so I can gain my weight back?