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 Lucy,
It’s good that you’ve been on HIV treatment (ART) for 7 months. But do you have access to your blood test results?
What is your viral load and CD4 count. If you started ART with a low CD4 count it can take time for your immune system to recover. And perhaps this is why you might not be gaining weight yet. What does your doctor say about your weight? It’s a good idea to check what might be a standard weight for your height and build.
What ARVs are you taking? Please let us know.
Hi.i last i lost weight from 60kg to 50kg and i decided to test only to find out that iam hiv positive then i started taking treatment its been 7months taking arvs but then my weight remain constant only at 50kg i want to know why because people who taking arvs are gaining?
Hi Lindiwe,
Do you mean Apetito pills? What is the active ingredient in them? What HIV meds are you taking?
Please talk to your doctor about any possible interaction between Apetito and your ARVs. Do you have access to your blood results? Please let us know your viral load and CD4 count.
Hi can get pregnant while I am using apitato pills
Hi Thembi,
Some herbs and supplements can interact with some ARVs. What does your doctor say about this?
It’s a good idea to tell your doctor about all supplements or minerals you are thinking of taking.
Can I drink Herbex Fat burn if Im on ARV’s to loose weight,Is it safe?
Hi Thembi,
Unfortunately we are not doctors at i-Base. So if you have a symptom like this please talk to your doctor about it.
What ARVs are you taking, and do you have access to your CD4 count and viral load results?
Hi I started ARV’s December last year but now I’m experiencing pain in my breast does it have to do with ARV”s?
Hi Cathy,
If you aren’t pregnant then I’m not sure what the issue could be. The best thing to do would be to talk to a doctor.
Hello Lisa.
I am not pregnant and I had my period last month. We haven’t been intimate with my husband since last year April. Because he is out of the country