HIV-ASSOCIATED WASTING
Even if your HIV is undetectable and your CD4 counts are normal, you may still be experiencing HIV-associated wasting
HIV-ASSOCIATED WASTING
Even if your HIV is undetectable and your CD4 counts are normal, you may still be experiencing HIV-associated wasting
If you are HIV positive…
If you are living with HIV, are taking your meds, and have lost weight and lean body mass (LBM) without trying and feel a loss of energy, you may have a medical condition called HIV-associated wasting.
HIV-associated wasting affects many different people, including:
- People who are newly diagnosed with HIV
- Among those with advanced HIV disease, one-third will present with wasting
- Poor virologic responders
- People living with HIV and on HIV meds who fail to gain weight
- HIV Long-Term Survivors
- People on HIV meds who have, or have had, an acute infection
- HIV-positive patients with normal CD4 counts and controlled viral loads
- Those who have not been adherent to antiretroviral treatment
You may experience HIV-associated wasting even when your virus is well controlled on antiretroviral treatments.
HIV-associated wasting is defined by three key symptoms
Loss of lean body mass
- Lean body mass (LBM) includes your muscles, organs, blood, bone, and water
- You may feel tired more quickly or notice that you have less physical energy
Weight loss
- You’re losing weight, but you aren’t trying to
- As your weight changes, your appearance may change
- Friends, family, and coworkers may notice and express concern
Decreased energy
- As you lose weight, you may find yourself getting tired more quickly than you used to
- Even simple, everyday tasks can be difficult for you to do
- You find that you don’t have enough energy to do the things you’ve always loved to do
HIV-associated wasting shouldn’t be ignored
HIV-associated wasting can have serious consequences for your health. The condition can lead to loss of muscle, reduced body weight, impaired physical functioning, a feeling of decreased well-being, and faster disease progression. If you are experiencing symptoms of HIV-associated wasting, don’t wait, talk to your doctor today about whether treatment with Serostim® might be right for you.