Question
What can I do about the weight gain around my tummy and breasts?
9 September 2010. Related: All topics, Side effects.
I am HIV positive and I am on ARV treatment but the treatment is making me gain weight especially around my breasts and tummy. Is it safe to take slimming powders or weight loosing products?
Answer
Thank you for your question.
If you are gaining weight around your stomach and breasts then it is likely that you are experiencing lipodystrophy which is a fat disorder. Lipodystrophy is a common side effect of HIV medication which has been reported with nearly every combination. Lipodystrophy involves fat accumulating in the abdomen (stomach), breasts, shoulders, neck and is sometimes exaggerated by fat loss from the arms, legs, buttocks and face.
During lipodystrophy fat builds up around your organs rather than under your skin which happens during ‘normal’ weight gain. Slimming powers and weight loss products do not generally work on the fat built up around your organs.
However, there are some things you can do. For a start you could speak to your HIV doctor about changing the HIV treatments you are taking. Additional treatments are explained in detail in this previous question and in the lipodystrophy section of the i-Base guide to ‘Avoiding and managing side effects’
Hello Mathews and thanks for getting in touch.
I am afraid we specialise in HIV medication so my knowledge doesn’t allow me to give a definitive response.
However, TB medication can often interact with a lot of medication so please check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplements
Hi can I use apetito while I’m taking tb treatment