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’
Hi Vanita, what did your doctor say about the weight gain and the burning feet? Also, when did these changes start and over what period of time did they take.
A newer combination called TLD is now very widely used compared to Trenvir so it should be easy to change to this.
TLD stands for tenofovir/lamivudine/dolutegravir.
The new combination isn’t likely to reverse the weight gain which might need diet and exercise as well. You doctor should be monitoring your weight and measuring your waist now to see whether it improves. If the pain in your feet is neuropathy, this can sometimes reverse if the drugs that caused it are changed quickly.
I am Arv treatment named Trenvir since 2008. I have gained belly fat and lots of weight. I’m now have a burning sensation under my feet. Which is a better medication to reduce weight and the possible nerve damages?
Hello Pinki and thanks for the question.
Weight gain has been an issue of discussion in recent years for many reasons including whether this is a side effect. It is also related to ageing, diet, exercise, family history, hormone changes, lifestyle, etc.
What has your doctor said about this.
In general the first step is to make sure your doctor knows about your concerns and that your weight and waist are measured and recorded in your medical notes.
The doctor should then look for possible causes and will talk about diet and exercise etc.
These links have more information:
https://i-base.info/htb/40717
https://i-base.info/guides/side/diet-a-balanced-diet-and-your-health
I’m on ARV’s more than 20yrs I’m gaining weight in my abdomen chest and shoulders and my body is very heavy for me now how can I do
Hello Ruth and thank you for the question.
I am sorry you are feeling so unwell.
Have you just started taking ARVs?
Have you talked with your clinic?
If this related to ARVs it is important to discuss with a healthcare professional because there are tablets (anti-sickness medication) they can give you to help.
Morning im taking Arv and it’s about 7 days I vomit a lot, I am dizzy, with no appetite. pls advice
Hi Lizzy, what is the name of the treatment you have been taking? and when did you first notice this weight loss?
What have you tried to help regain this weight and has anything changed in your lifestyle that could have contributed to this weight loss e.g., more exercise, eating less, stress, other health conditions etc…?
Hi im HIV positive and on treatment for +-8 yes now but I’m loosing too much Wright more especially on my Face legs,arms ,and tummy,what can I do to gain weight little bit