Question
I am gaining weight, what slimming pills can I take?
28 January 2011. Related: All topics, Changing treatment, Side effects.
Hi
I’m 31 years old and HIV positive. I have a problem of gaining weight every week and my breasts are getting bigger and bigger. Can I take slimming tablets while on my HIV drugs? I am taking Stocrin (efavirenz), Viread (tenofovir) and 3TC (lamivudine)
Answer
Thank you for your question.
If you are gaining weight around your breasts and tummy then it could be a side effect of your medication called lipodystrophy. For more information about lipodystrophy you should follow this link to find out more.
Slimming tablets will not reduce this weight change. You should talk to your doctor about changing your medication to reduce these side effects.
Hi Lesego,
It’s a good idea to check with your doctor before taking any slimming tablets, or going on a weight loss plan. Whether or not slimming tablets are effective is very questionable, and the best way to lose weight is usually to eat less (or more healthily) and exercise more. Follow this link to read about diet and exercise.
Hi I’m lesego I’m hiv positive but not on medication! I’ve gained weight after getting the baby I want to use the sliming tablets but I’m not sure if its safe to do so
It isn’t necessarily a problem, but you should discuss this with your doctor. This is because it’s possible there may be interactions between ARVs and some slimming pills, which could make your treatment less effective.
hi
why is it a problem to use weight loss supplement when HIV positive?
Hi Lovette,
Are you taking a third HIV drug (such as tenofovir)? Usually HIV treatment is 3 different drugs.
Have you gained weight since starting treatment? If you have, how much?
If you want to take slimming pills you should check with your doctor if there are any interactions. This is because different pills will contain different drugs or supplements. Without knowing the ingredients of the pills you want to take I can’t tell you if it is safe or not.
Our quality of life has a section on diet and exercise. A healthy diet and regular exercise are generally the best way to lose weight.
I am HIV positive, on drugs my problem is that I am too fat, please can I take slimming drugs while on HIV drugs. My drugs are efavirenz and lamivudine.
This is something to talk to your doctor about.
The safest way to lose way is to get expert advice about diet and exercise and to plan a programme where you can make lifestyle changes over time.
hi im hiv positive & want 2 loose weight nt with exercise bt by taking pills m nt yet on medication is’t safe?
slimming pills are never a very good idea and they rarely work. The best thing to do is eat healthily and exercise. Try joining a weight-loss group as meeting with other people who are experiencing the same thing can be really supportive and can make it a more enjoyable experience. It might be a harder option but it is much longer-lasting and feels so much more satisfying when you achieve your goal weight. Plus it is much better for your body!
HI
Am 28yrs old nd HIV positive and fat but not yet on medication,so my problem is,i want to use slimming tablets and am worried if they wont affect my health.
thnx