Question

Will my weight change if I am taking HIV meds called Volutrip (TLD)?

13 October 2026. Related: Adherence, All topics, Complications and coinfections, Side effects, Southern Africa.

Hi there, I am HIV positive and live in South Africa. Will Volutrip affect my weight?

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Hi there

Thanks, average weight increased in some studies but that this might be a normal recovery from HIV. Also, average changes doesn’t mean that everyone would be, affected. Either way, HIV clinics should monitor everyone’s weight before and when on ART. Diet and exercise might help reverse fat gain/.

Volutrip is one of many generic forms of TLD.

This contains tenofovir DF + lamivudine + dolutegravir (ie TLD).

Some studies, including in South Africa, reported weight gain with TLD that was higher in African women than in African men.

Although people gained less weight using a combination with efavirenz (instead of dolutegravir), the difference was because efavirenz and and tenofovir limits weight gain.

Other studies reported that the weight increases with TLD were part of returning to better health – and that the weight gain brought people up to the South African average weight.

As this is a complicated issue I would need more details to give a more individual answer.

For example:

• Are you already taking Volutrip? If yes, for how long.
• Was this your first combination or did you switch from something else? This is because previous drugs can affect the changes.
• Do you know your rough CD4 count history and viral load? This is because weight gain is more likely if someone start with a low CD4 or high viral load – ie as a return to better health.
• It also helps to know your age, sex, weight and height and how this has changed over time. Women might gain more weight than men.
• What has your doctor said about the changes? Have you talked to the clinic and are they monitoring this.

The last of these is important because everyone should be weighed before starting ART. They should also be weighed every 6–12 months on treatment to record any changes.

Unfortunately the isn’t an easy way to reduce weight,

Usually this involves a careful programme of diet and exercise.

Sometimes GLP-1 RA drugs (such as semaglutide or tirzepatide) that are proven to help lose weight are also used.