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!
i started my ARVS 4 mnths back but now am worried abt the fact that am loosing weight and its getting worse, what could be the problem?
Hi Unomimus ms,
Weight loss can be due to a host of reasons, if it’s an issue please talk to your doctor about it.
I started using arvs last year july and since i am losing weight but not sick and eating too much i am now worried about my weight everyone start to ask me about my weight one other thing i dont sleep at all
Hi Kelebogile,
Please see this Q&A for info about Alli sliming tablets. However there could be an interaction with your ARVs from any meds you want to take. So please talk to your doctor first.
But you can also ask your doctor if your weight gain could be a side effect of dolutegravir. There are some reports of this.
What ARVs are you taking? And do you have access to your viral load results? Please let us know.
Here’s the guide to a balanced diet and your health. There’s a lot of info in this on diet and weight.
Hi I’ve been using arvs since 2017 and I’m reposponding well to the treatment but my only consern is that I’m gaining a lot of weight is it good for me to use weight loss tablets while I’m on ARVS?
Hi Leleti,
Discharge has nothing to do with ARVs, this is something that you’ll need to discuss with a doctor. Weight loss can be due to a number of reasons. If your HIV is under control then it won’t be this. Again, this is something to discuss with a doctor.
I am taking treatment nicely since 2017 I was fine when I start my treatment but since last year November I started to lose weight untill today,so I don’t know what’s going on and this day I have experiencing smelling discharger is that related with my status
Hi,
I’m sorry but I don’t understand the question. Are you worried because you weight 109? Is this because you think this is too heavy or light?
Worried about weight loss
Hello I am HIV positive nd am weighing 109kg, am worried about my weight and I only have 3weeks using ARVs….. I can be sick or I can loose my weight???
Hi Mel,
Its not possible for me to say why you aren’t gaining weight. This will need to be discussed with your doctor.