Question
Worried about weight loss
19 November 2012. Related: All topics.
My wife and I are both HIV positive. After initially gaining weight from 42kg to 52kg in the first year on treatment my wife has dropped back down to around 46kg in the last year. I am worried, as I have read that weight loss is linked to a worse prognosis even in people stable on treatment.
She started treatment with a low CD4 (50) and active toxoplasmosis infection. However, since starting treatment 2 years ago her viral load has remained undetectable (other than 1 or two blips) and her CD4 count has risen to over 400 where it appears to have stabilized.
The doctors have not mentioned anything about her weight loss on our usual visits although the HIV nurse seemed quite surprised when she last saw us.
Our next appointment with the doctor is not until February. Should we arrange an appointment before then to discuss this weight loss or can it wait until then?
What are the best foods that are cheaply available in the UK that can encourage weight gain? Do you have any other advice for us with regard to this situation?
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.
Answer
Hello,
Thanks for getting in touch. An unexplained weight loss of 10% is something which you do need to talk to your doctor about. This is because this may be a sign of an undiagnosed infection.
It’s worth rearranging your appointment, or going to see your GP about this. They will be able to look for reasons behind the weight loss and may also be able to suggest dietary supplements to encourage weight gain.
Best of luck, please let me know how you get on, and if you have any questions!
Am HIV positive. Of late am losing weight from 51 to 47, am very much worried. Kindly advise since want to maintain my weight
Hi Sipho,
As this post highlights, weight loss can be due to a lot of reasons. Weight loss with modern ARVs isn’t really common. As this is something that you’re worried about, you should talk to your doctor.
Hi I’m sipho I’m on the arv but I’m still losing weight. O don’t understand.
Hi Lebongang,
Drastic weight loss isn’t something that tends to happen with modern day ARVs. If you are losing weight, it could be due to numerous reasons, please discuss this with your doctor. It is however really important that you continue taking your meds, if you don’t your HIV will no longer be under control.
Ive been Taking this ARV’s but I lose so much weight , and now i dont know whar to do anymore!!I even made decision on stop taking then!!
Hi Lebo,
It sounds good that you’re on HIV treatment.
However, please talk to your doctor about the pains in your chest and bones, and about losing weight. It’s a good idea to get these symptoms checked out.
What HIV meds are you taking? And if you have access to your CD and viral load results, please let us know.
Lebo
I’m o treatment but I’m losing weight a lot. I’m also experiencing pain in my chest and bones pain.. Please help with advice
Hi Noma,
Modern ARVs don’t cause the issues that you’ve mentioned. This is something that you’ll need to discuss with a doctor. It could be an issue of diet and possibly lifestyle.
How can I gain weight I’m on treatment for 5 years and I’m 35 and my face have arld wrinkles. I’m thin like nobody but my viral load has been undetectable for 3 years and I look stable.
Please help me how my body look fresh again and gaining.
Hi James,
You’re on medication so you’re already doing the best thing possible. The ARVs will, in time, help your CD4 count to rise.