Living with overweight or obesity can shorten the amount of years that you have a good quality of life, and increase the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Various factors can cause weight gain such as dietary choices or not having access to nutritious foods; not having the ability to cook or prepare meals; experiencing changes to your appetite due to medications or hormonal changes; not being able to exercise.
It is important to seek support if you are concerned about weight gain or would like to lose weight. Our dietitians are happy to give advice and support.
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With the introduction of weight loss medications and their use becoming more common, this might be an option available to you. It’s important to have a conversation with your doctors or dietitians, whether you are accessing the medications through the health service or privately. Maintaining a balanced nutritional status is very important for your health and your antiretroviral medications.
Weight loss can still be a very serious problem for people living with HIV, especially if you have a low CD4 cell count (below 200).
Living with underweight can weaken your immune system, cause bone problems and cause you to lack energy. Losing too much weight can be dangerous as it reduces your ability to fight infection and recover quickly from illness.
Your energy requirements are likely to be greater when you are sick but it can be difficult to eat enough when you are ill or if you have lost your appetite.
Unintended weight loss should always be taken seriously. Weight loss can be a warning sign of the presence of an infection, or another condition. It is important to seek early advice from your doctor or HIV dietitian who can work with you to regain your appetite.
Check out our Food fortification – heart health
Attend your regular check up appointments
Ask for help early if you notice you’ve lost weight
