Question
Is loosing weight from legs and buttocks a side effect?
29 October 2010. Related: All topics, Changing treatment, Side effects.
I have been on meds for 18 months and have lost 16 kg, which is not really noticeable cause I am a big gal. However, I am a bit worried cause it looks like my legs are thinner as well as my buttocks. I have complained about this to my doctor and have now been referred to another physician as I am worried that this might be the side effects.
My viral load is 29 and CD4 count is 1079. My main worry is what if they change me and I don’t do well? Do you think it is the weight as I don’t remember when last I weighed less than 100kg.
After 18 months can I really develop new symptons beside the discolouring of my nails?
Answer
Hi
Thank you for your question. I will try to answer each part, but you did not say which drugs you are using and which country you live in. This information would be helpful so the answer can be more specific.
Fat loss (from the face, arms, legs and buttocks) used to be a common side effect from using combinations that include either d4T (also called stavudine or Zerit) or AZT (also called zidovudine or Retrovir). AZT can also cause muscle loss from the buttocks and can cause darkening of the nails in Black people.
Switching the d4T or AZT to alternative drugs can slowly reverse some fat loss, though putting tissue back on the buttocks and face is difficult and even if it reverses it is a slow process. Exercise to increase leg and buttock muscle takes a lot of work, but can slowly build up to balance the lost fat.
The drugs you could switch to are either tenofovir or abacavir. Please speak with your doctor about which or these or other alternative may be better for you.
Your CD4 count and viral load show that the treatment is controlling HIV very well, but any unexplained weight loss should be discussed with your doctor in case it is a symptom of another illness.
Hi Pumeza,
Fat loss from legs and buttocks, and muscle loss from the buttocks, are common side effects from using combinations that include AZT (Retrovir).
However, you can ask your doctor to switch your meds to ARVs that don’t include AZT. Please ask what combinations would be easier for you to take.
If you have access to your viral load and CD4 results, please let us know what they are.
I have been taking ARVs (Retrovir), I had a very good structure but now I have changed, my buttocks and hips are very flat only stomach is showing up.. What should I do?
Hi Theo,
Do you think this is caused by your HIV treatment? Please let us know what meds you’re taking. If you have access to your CD4 count and viral load results please tell us what they are.
Hello ppl i want to ask im loosing weight only at my legs only my upper body is stil the same.. And im not feeling any pain or anythn what cn b a problm
Hi Julie,
What does your doctor say about this?
Are you taking HIV treatment? This is a treatment information resource for people who are HIV positive. Please let us know if you’re taking HIV treatment. And please also tell us your CD4 count and viral load results.
I’m on depression tablets I’ve noticed my bottom is getting bigger will it be the tablets
Hi Crystal,
Are you HIV positive? This website is an HIV treatment information resource for people who are HIV positive and their families and friends. If you are HIV positive you can ask any question about treatment and side effects. Please let us know your CD4 count and viral load results.
Please talk to your doctor about weight loss. Especially if it is a significant fall from your normal weight.
I don’t take any meds at all but for some reason I’m losing weight at the bottom part of my body (legs, butt, thighs). Why I’m losing my weight down there.
Hi Jeet,
This could be due to the meds that you’re taking. However, if you’ve been losing weight for 3 years, then this is something that you need to talk to your doctor about.
I eat everyday according my time to food. But every morning when I wake up then I see my body is decreasing weight. Never gain my body and this case has being happened for 3years.i m lossing my weight instead of gaining. Therefore I just want to know that it’s a kind of side effect or any others reason. plz help me. My friends use to mock me about my body. And I just don’t want this insult from my friends.. #India