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 Emily,
Weight loss can be due to a lot of factors, if this is a problem for you, you’ll need to talk to a doctor.
Hi my name is Emily I’m HIV positive and I’m worried about my waight I’m losing so much and I don’t think its treatment and I am eating well please help what can I do to keep my weigh in order
Hi Edd, As Simon says on this question here, HIV treatment (ART) is now routinely recommended for all HIV positive people. And he also lists factors that can help you work out how soon to start ART. Having another infection can mean that you lose weight. It’s a good idea to check with your doctor about weight loss to find out the reason for it.
Can I know at what time does HIV positive person start to loose weight she he she is not on medication
Hi Josefina, As Rebecca says on this question, it’s worth going to see your doctor if you’re worried about weight loss. Especially if you’ve lost over 10% and it’s unexplained.
I am loosing too much weight from 93_ 88
Hi Nobuhle,
If your HIV is under control, which it is, the weight loss won’t be due to you being positive. Therefore, you should have a word with your doctor about the weight loss. If you’re under stress, this could explain the weight loss.
Hi i am on warferin treatment and i am taking arvs my cd4 is 517 viral load undetectable but i am loosing so much weight. I don’t know what is the cause please help me with advice how to gain weight.
Hi Annah, A good balanced diet can help you with your weight. Here’s a guide to a balanced diet and your health.
How to gain weight while I am on arvs treatment