Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
The participation of Dr. Joseph McGowan in this
Forum is made possible by Boehringer Ingelheim.
|
|
 |
|
Growing midsection: Meds or gluttony?
Jul 9, 2006
Howdy Doc. Daar,
I have been taking Truvada/Sustiva for about 2-and-a-half months. I have had HIV for about 5 months (I think). My first bloodwork indicated vl over a million and cd4 266. About two months later (read: now) it was undetectable and cd4 539.
Since starting meds, I've noticed my mid-section has gotten a bit bigger, primarily my obliques and a some on the front. People have told me I look like I've gained some weight. Does sustiva/truvada cause fat accumulation in the short- or long-term? If so, what can I do about it? I do admit, though, that my junk intake has increased recently due to special events at work that have involved my downing of cake, cheese and other not-so goodies.
|
 |
|
 |
|
Response from Dr. Daar
We do not have much information regarding which drugs are most likely to be associated with mid section fat accumulation. That being said, there is little reason to believe that the medications you are taking are likely to be the culprits or that it would develop within such a short period of time. However, some people do gain weight associated with starting any antiretroviral regimen, most likely a result of improved overall health.
I would encourage you to discuss this with your provider and to work with him/her on a plan to improve your eating habbits and to establish an appropriate exercise program.
Best,
Erc
|
|
|
 Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
Copyright notice.
|
|
|
|
