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 Noxolo,
Though you may be feeling well, if you stop taking your ARVs your viral load will rebound and your HIV will no longer be under control. Please see Q7 here: https://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
With regards to the damage that may have been done to your immune system, it’s not possible to say. Being on ARVs will however improve your immune system.
Hi I’m 10 weeks since I’ve bn positive I wana know if you undetected can I stop taking treatment for a while cause I’m fit n I ddnt get sick I just decided to go n test I wana understand how hiv did some damage to my immune in this little time
Hi Luzuko,
If you want to use some form of weight loss pill, you’re going to need to discuss this with your doctor first as it’s important to know if there will be any interactions. Weight loss will only really be achieved and sustained with healthy eating and exercise.
Hi without consulting my Dr can I use duramine pills for weight loss management.
Luzuko
Hi Athi,
Please see Q13 here: http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
I’ve been on tribuss since 2014 and my viral load has been undetactible since then. Can I use herbalife products for weight loss?
Hi Zinhle,
Do you have access to your viral load blood test results? These results will tell you if your ARVs are working well.
The aim of taking ARVs is to reduce the amount of HIV in your viral load to less than 50 copies m/L. If your viral load is less than 50 copies it shows your ARVs are working well.
I am currently on ARV’s and I have used slimming supplement,so I just wanna know if that’s wont affect my medication in a future.
Hi Mokone,
What ARVs are you taking? Your weight gain could be a side effect of these meds. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor and ask if you can switch treatment if your ARVs could be affecting your weight.
Please let us know how your HIV treatment is going.
Can I use duramine pills to loose weight while am on ARVs