Question
How can I lose weight without it affecting my CD4 count?
15 September 2010. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Supplements and herbs.
Hi
I am a lady of 27 years who is HIV positive but not on HAART. I have been gaining weight a lot this past 8 months. I am worried because my CD4 count is 370 this month. Now I want to lose weight but I am afraid that if I start to lose weight I might get sick or something could happen that would make me sick while my CD4 is still high. I do want to lose weight quickly though. Please help.
Answer
Thank you for your question.
There are ways of losing weight healthily by sticking to a balanced diet and an exercise regime which will not affect your CD4 count. Ensuring you have a good diet and exercise regime can actually help to maintain a healthy immune system. It will not make you sick if you lose weight properly.
Weight loss is better if it is done slowly because the slower it comes off the longer it will stay off. It is not about losing weight fast but about doing it healthily. If you are able to then you could go to your local gym and get a personal trainer to help you with an exercise routine or ask your HIV doctor to refer you to a dietician. This way you can ensure you are losing weight in a way that will improve your health rather than jeopardise it.
For information about what constitutes a healthy balanced diet for positive people please follow this link.
For tips about how to lose weight healthily please follow this link.
Hi Prudyy,
If you think the test was a false positive, you’re going to need to have another test. If the test is positive, please get back in touch with us. Our email is on our site.
I have diagnosed with hiv, the test was run while I had shingles. I am not convinced the blood test told truth.
Hi Thandie,
It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about the HIV meds you are taking. That’s because some people can gain weight on some of the meds we take.
However, a good way to help you control your weight is to look at your diet and make sure you’re eating the right foods. Please see this guide to a balanced diet and your health for lots of info.
Hi I’m Thandie I’m 40 years old HIV positive I’m using apple vinegar cider trying to lose weight.
Hi Nozipho,
If you are going to take other meds like slimming pills you should tell your doctor. That’s because some supplements can interact with your HIV meds.
As Charlotte says on this Q&A, eating a balanced diet and taking exercise is a healthy way to lose weight. There’s a lot of useful tips in this guide to a balanced diet and your health.
If you are positive(HIV)do you take sĺimming pills and so forth