I recently started taking Kaletra and Kivexa. Will they cause lipodystrophy? I know I should be thankful that I "healthy and strong" and not be so vain. I try and walk for about 30 minutes every morning and eat healthy by eating lots of fruits and vegetables and cutting out all junk foods. What else can I do to prevent the side effects of lipodystrophy? Thanks for your time, Leslie

The rate of significant liposytrophy with Kaletra + Kivexa (abacavir + 3TC) has been low overall during the first years of use and compares favorably with alternative drug regimens. Weight gain is common in the general population so it has been difficult to pin down the contribution of either HIV infection or one of the components of an HIV regimen to weight gain. Fat loss has been most linked to thymidine analogues (D4T or AZT) so the rate and degree of fat loss with Kivexa has been very low (not zero but minimal risk though there may be occasional individuals there that may still be a problem). KH