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 Slomy,
Having a balanced diet can help keep you healthy, and help you lose weight. Please see this guide to a balanced diet and your health. Exercise can help you reduce your weight too.
Please talk to your doctor about your belly fat and your diet. You can aslo ask if your HIV meds are the best treatment for you too. Some ARVs can increase weight.
Slindzo
I m using treatment and my tummy is getting big can i use diet for belly fat its not a problem
Hi Lindiwe,
Can I ask if you are HIV positive? This site gives information to people who are HIV positive about HIV meds, side effects and drug interactions. Please let us know.
Hi can I get pregnant when I’ m taking cipla activ
Hi Zoe,
It sounds like you may be describing peripheral neuropathy, though not common with modern ARVs can it happen. Please see the following link: http://i-base.info/qa/8054
By loosing shape, do you mean weight? Again this isn’t something that is common with modern ARVs. Weight loss is also due to a lot reasons.
Hi I’m taking Odimune and I’m loosing shape on my legs and have prickly feet pains
What can I do
Each time I ask my HIV doctor about it don’t seem to give me an advise
Hi Tessa,
What HIV meds are you taking? But Charlotte has already given some tips about what to do on this question.
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 section about fat gain in the i-Base guide to quality of life.
Hi I need help Im having excess fat in my belly and I want to get rid of it plz hlp it’s so embarrassing.
Hi Beauty,
What is your question about HIV treatment? What meds are you taking and do you think these are side effects?
Please let us know.
I have fat around my belly my chest ,thing feet, and bad pain on spine