Most people with HIV gain weight after they start antiretroviral therapy (ART). But too much treatment-related weight gain can sometimes lead to future health problems. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re worried about this. They can help you find safe ways to lose weight. Here are some other topics you may want to go over with your health care team:
Older kinds of ART might cause lipodystrophy, which can result in the kind of belly fat that’s linked to insulin resistance, diabetes, and heart problems. But these fat changes are less likely to happen with newer drugs. Still, treatment-related weight gain from modern ART can raise your odds of certain metabolic problems. More research is needed to know all of the long-term effects of treatment. But ART-related weight gain might lead to type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Excess body weight, regardless of which ART you’re on, can also increase your odds of certain health conditions like sleep apnea, cognitive decline, high blood pressure, and heart disease and stroke.
Your odds of weight gain are highest within the first 12 to 18 months after starting ART. If you’re concerned, discuss this with your doctor and take steps to manage your weight gain. Read More
