Question
Does TLD cause lipodystrophy?
25 October 2023. Related: All topics, Side effects.
Does TLD affects the fat distribution on the body or does it causes lipodystrophy?
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
No. TLD does not cause lipodystrophy.
Lipodystrophy is a symptom associated with older HIV medications like stavudine and zidovudine. This is not associated with TLD.
TLD in some people can cause weight gain of around 10% of their body weight in the first 2 years. This has been linked with an increased appetite.
In fewer people, it has been noted that weight loss can occur but this is rare and is different to lipodystrophy.
The changes in weight that happen on TLD can be managed with diet and exercise. Lipodystrophy cannot be managed in this way and require changing treatments and is not always reversible.
Josh.
Hi Tintswalo, thanks, what does your clinic say about this?
Does the clinic weigh you when your visit and have they measured your waist and hips?
Getting these results recorded in your notes will help the clinic see how your body has changed.
Although HIV meds can be linked to body shape changes, modern HIV meds are more likely to be putting on weight rather loosing it. Regular life also links to body changes as we get older, because of our diet and being less active. Did the clinic talk about normal weight for your height and also your family history?
Depending on your age, this might also have been aimportant over the last seven years.
Unfortunately, changing HIV meds doesn’t seem to help, but diet and exercise might help, even though this can also be difficult.
I’m on TLD since 2021 and my belly, breast and shoulder is getting bigger and my legs, face and buttocks are becoming thinner everyday
Thanks Lukoye :)
This is a very clear detailed response thank you