I'm presently overweight at 5'10" and 225. I worked out regularly but not recently. Is there hope that I can workout and reduce the hypertension and high cholesterol meds I am taking in addition to my hiv meds. I also have sleep apnea. Do I stand a chance of losing weight while taking hiv meds, plus depo and deca shots?

Regular exercise and weight loss to achieve a body mass index (BMI) of 20-25 generally leads to improvements in blood pressure and lipids, with both falls in bad and rises in good cholesterol. Sleep apnea is also more common in persons who are overweight and may improve with weight loss. Sleep apnea also contributes to fatigue. Use of anabolic steroids are a bad plan as these drugs make blood lipids worse, may unfavourably affect mood and create dependence. In persons with HIV where testosterone production may be lower than normal they may trigger 'hypogonadism' a permanent reduction in testosterone prouction triggering the need for lifelong supplements. Its much better to lose the weight the old fashioned way with dietary advice (a 'low GI, mediteranean type diet' is often the best) and regular exercise with a considerable cardio component Good Luck Dr Moyle