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 Sandra and thanks for getting in touch.
Acriptega is considered a better medication, more effective and with less side effects.
Weight loss is not what we would actually expect – most people report weight gain actually.
Please monitor this and report it to your doctor.
If you have some deficiency you should also raise it with your doctor – they will prescribe what you need to take.
If the supplements you take include metals (iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, etc.) you need to space them from acriptega at least 6 hours.
Please see here for more information on Acriptega (TLD generic name):
https://i-base.info/guides/14970
Hi Am Sandra i have been on Odimune for the past 15years i have just changed to Acriptega this is my 10 days i also experience weight lose i was 73 and now 70, people don’t notice me but i see my upper and some of the clothes are bit loose.but i don’t have side effects only my HP dropped to 7 and still not feeling sick, tired or dizzy that is also my worry i have started with supplements. Is there anything to worry?
Hello Bongi and thanks for getting in touch.
I am very sorry to hear you are having these body changes.
What has your doctor said about this?
You need to tell your doctor as this seems to be a problem called lipodystrophy.
They need to write this in your notes and monitor any changes.
Newer medication are generally well tolerated but some older combinations were linked to lipodystrophy.
This is a problem that has many causes, not just one, and can be managed with different changes in your lifestyle and possibly help from your doctor.
You could discuss with your doctor what are the available options to help you with other medication or possible treatment changes.
Please read more here: https://i-base.info/guides/side/lipodystrophy
You could also modify your diet and exercise habits to help you manage this.
You can read more here:https://i-base.info/guides/side/lifestyle-and-quality-of-life
I am having problems with body image lately: my legs changed to be small, my breasts have become small and my arms are big, I have accumulated fat at the back of my neck.
Please help me, I don’t like this
Hello Sash and many thanks for getting in touch.
Sometimes, depending on the health of a person at diagnosis, it takes a while for them to get back to normal.
Is there something preventing your brother from gaining weight, such as often vomiting?
What you can do to help is to ensure he has the food he likes in small portions throughout the day.
Please don’t worry, just support him with diet and taking his medication.
It might be a while but he will get back to living a healthy, full and active life.
My brother had a low CD4 count, was started on TLD however he is loosing weigh instead of gaining. How long will it take for his weight to improve
Hello Francinah and thanks for the question.
Losing weight on medication is not common nowadays but still can happen.
Have you also been vomiting on the new medication?
That alone could cause greater weight loss than the new medication itself.
What does your doctor say about it?
The clinic should make sure they monitor your weight at every visit and the weight is documented in your notes.
Since you are having side effects like vomiting and such extreme weight loss the clinic should look into possible alternatives and find ways to help you with it.
There are no medications to replace this lost weight, however that does not mean there are not things you can try.
It is important that you inform the clinic about any changes in your diet and side effects too.
Let us know how things go
Christina
Also me I am taking Tribus. My doctor change me a month ago,but now I am concerned of my weight loss. Is there some supplement I can take while I am on Tribus? Because now I don’t vomit so my worry is weight loss. Please note that I am now size 30 from 38. Please help.
Hi Baby, lots of things can lead to weight changes. Have you talked to your HIV doctor about this and what did they say? One option might be to change to a newer HIV combination called TLD that includes dolutegrair. This is linked to higher weight gain than Odimune that uses efavirenz,
Hi am on Odimune for 2 yrs now but I don’t get my weight back I was 75 in 2022 now I’m on 69 kg
Wht can I use to gain fast n I’m also taking multivitamin daily but still no changes or is too early as drug is trying to get used to my body