Question
What can I do about the weight gain around my tummy and breasts?
9 September 2010. Related: All topics, Side effects.
I am HIV positive and I am on ARV treatment but the treatment is making me gain weight especially around my breasts and tummy. Is it safe to take slimming powders or weight loosing products?
Answer
Thank you for your question.
If you are gaining weight around your stomach and breasts then it is likely that you are experiencing lipodystrophy which is a fat disorder. Lipodystrophy is a common side effect of HIV medication which has been reported with nearly every combination. Lipodystrophy involves fat accumulating in the abdomen (stomach), breasts, shoulders, neck and is sometimes exaggerated by fat loss from the arms, legs, buttocks and face.
During lipodystrophy fat builds up around your organs rather than under your skin which happens during ‘normal’ weight gain. Slimming powers and weight loss products do not generally work on the fat built up around your organs.
However, there are some things you can do. For a start you could speak to your HIV doctor about changing the HIV treatments you are taking. Additional treatments are explained in detail in this previous question and in the lipodystrophy section of the i-Base guide to ‘Avoiding and managing side effects’
Hi Emmitt, Have you talked to the doctor about your weight gain? You can ask if other meds could be better for you. Stribild needs to be taken with food. It could be that other meds that can be taken with or without food might help with the weight gain. So it’s a good idea to ask about what these are. You can ask at the clinic for advice about diet and exercise too.
I am on Stribild and have been having problems with losing weight around my stomach and breast area. I’ve went as far as stop taking my medication in hopes that the weight will come off. However, the weight is still there. What can I do or take to get rid of this stubborn fat in stomach and breast area?
Hi Lucia,
Though rare, this can happen. Have you tried diet and exercise? Or dicsussed this with your doctor?
Hi um Lucia from South Afriaca, i am on tribuss, i am gaining fat around my tummy and my breast is 3 times the size they were before i started taking the meds, and it concerns me, it has started affecting my confidence
Hi Jim,
Its not common for someone to gain that level of weight in 6 months when on ARVs. Therefore, this is something that you will need to talk to your doctor about.
I am on descovy and tivicay.I have gained almost 35 pounds since taking the meds starting in early august.I am 5ft 9 but muscular.I feel great as this is the only side effect for me. But I am very concerned about my weight…almost to the point of gastro bypass or lipo…
Hi Phume,
How much weight have you lost? People loss weight for all sorts of reasons, one of which is stress. With another being changes in eating habits.
It is possible that the drowsiness you’re experiencing as well as the nausea could be due to the meds that you’re taking. However I can’t say for certain that this is the cause. What meds are you taking?
Hi I’m Phume. I’ve been on arts for 6 months now and I’ve realised that I’ve lost more weight than how much I gained when I was negative. My eating habits have changed from good to worse and by this time I’m still experiencing drowsiness and nauseous. Could it be the treat that’s doing all this
Hi Grace, most modern HIV drugs do not cause body changes. However, efavirenz and other drugs have been linked to enlarged breasts and some fat increases. If you think you are having body changes, please get measurements/photos now so you can see if this changes over time. It is good to exercise and to look at diet changes that might help.
Hie,
Am on ARVs but my stomach is becoming big,is it o.k. if i can do exercise and being on diet?
Actually am changing shape.
Thanks.