Question

Can lipodystrophy appear before starting treatment?

11 December 2008. Related: All topics, Side effects.

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

With HIV-infection, lipodystrophy is a result of the ARVs. So, the answer is ‘no’.

However, lipodystrophy can be caused by metabolic abnormalities due to some rare genetic conditions, but also diabetes, insulin resistance and aging. In these cases, HIV is not a factor.