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!
Hi Anonymous,
Weight loss can be due to a lot of things.Have you had any changes in life style? What’s your diet like?
Hi m concerned with my weight,was diagnosed with HIV in 2011 started Arv s in 2013 my weight picked up tremendously from 58 to 67 but started losing gradually m now weighing 60kg but feel physically fine.Should i worry
Hi Prem,
Is there any reason why you aren’t on medication? Do you know what your CD4 count is?
Weight loss can be due to a number of things, one of which are stress as well as not eating. If you aren’t eating this is likely to be the reason. Like people who are negative, its important to try and look after yourself.
I’m HIV positive and not on ARV’s. I’m loosing weight rapidly. I hardly eat. I’m struggling with appetite. Please help
Hi Kay,
Weight loss can be due to a number of things, one of which is being a single mum to three kids.You missing a few doses won’t be the cause of your weight loss. Therefore, you should talk to a doctor about this.
Though life can be busy, its important to adhere to your meds.I don’t know when you take yours,but have you tried just before you go to bed, or first thing in the morning when you might be having some ‘me’ time away from the kids? Setting an alarm helps.
Hey everyone how are you all? I am 30 was diagnosed back in 2005 when I was 18 and didn’t really become stable with my needs until 2010. I now have 3 healthy children and was undetectable when I gave birth to my 3rd child in August of 2016, maintained a stable weight up until about 6 months ago. I weights 118 in August 2017 but Nov/Dec I lost about 10 lbs and I think I’m now down to about 106 lbs…… I relocated from Georgia to Alabama and as a single mother of 3 there’s not much time for me as I’m always busy so even with a once a day atrv I still have been missing a few doses and I haven’t yet made time to see a Dr. Isnt my weight loss a concern as I want to be gaining not losing ?????!!!! I’m in the U.S by the way!!
Hi, ten kilos sounds like a lot of weight to loose in just a few months. Please talk to your doctor. This might be caused by something else (i.e. neither HIV nor HIV meds).
hi I recently found out that I’m HIV positive and started arvs already my problem is I lost 10 kilos for the past few months, so how long will I gain weight again since I’m on arvs
Hi Asanda,
When you started meds, what was your CD4 count? Is there any reason why you waited so long to start treatment?
Weight loss and gain can be due to a number of things, of which ARVs are one cause. However, this is now uncommon due to the advancements that have been made in treatment. This is something that you should talk to a doctor about.
If someone lives in a TB prone area they may be prescribed TB meds as a precautionary measure and for about 6 months. With regards to you, I can’t say. Therefore, you should talk to the person who said you should use TB meds.
Hi.I was diagnosed in 2007, but only started medication this year. I lost 7kilos in the space of 5 months. I was though exercising a lot. When will I put the weight back on?
I’ve also been told to take TB meds for a year, but I don’t know why.