CAN I BE AFFECTED?

HIV-associated wasting can be treated, but first you have to talk to your doctor

It’s important to identify if you think you may have HIV-associated wasting so you can speak with your doctor and get treatment. Learn more about how you can determine if you’re at risk.

CAN I BE AFFECTED?

HIV-associated wasting can be treated, but first you have to talk to your doctor

It’s important to identify if you think you may have HIV-associated wasting so you can speak with your doctor and get treatment. Learn more about how you can determine if you’re at risk.

HIV-associated wasting can affect anyone living with HIV1-4

There isn’t just one type of person who gets HIV-wasting.

People living with HIV who may experience wasting may include:

  • People infected with HIV who have undetectable viral loads and normal CD4 counts
  • People who have had HIV for a long time
  • People on HIV meds who have or have had an acute infection
  • People who are newly diagnosed with HIV and on HIV medication

So, how do I know if I have HIV-associated wasting?

Only a healthcare professional can diagnose you with HIV-associated wasting, but the questions below may help you know if it’s time to have a conversation with your doctor.

ASK YOURSELF:

Do I have a loss of energy, along with a loss of weight?

  • Are there activities that are more difficult for me to perform?
  • Am I exercising less?
  • Do I need to rest more often?
  • Do I frequently feel tired after certain activities?

Do I have unintentional weight loss?

  • Do the changes in my weight negatively affect my health and how I feel?
  • Do my clothes fit more loosely than normal due to unintentional weight loss?
  • Have I lost weight without trying?
  • Have my family, friends, or co-workers noticed any changes in the way I look or my body based on changes in my weight?

If you answered “yes” to some of these questions, then you should speak with your healthcare provider about HIV-associated wasting. Need help getting the conversation started? Download our Discussion Guide

NEXT

There are solutions for treating HIV-associated wasting.
Learn more about how Serostim® may be able to help

Show References

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  1. Ashby J, Goldmeier D, Sadeghi-Nejad H. Hypogonadism in human immunodeficiency virus-positive men. Korean J Urol. 2014;55:9-16.
  2. Mangili A, Murman DH, Zampini AM, Wanke CA. Nutrition and HIV infection: review of weight loss and wasting in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy from the nutrition in healthy living cohort. Clin Infec Dis. 2006;42(6):836-842.
  3. Wasserman P, Segal-Maurer S, Wehbeh W, Rubin DS. Wasting disease, chronic immune activation, and inflammation in the HIV-infected patient. Top Clin Nutr. 2011;26(1):14-28.
  4. Roubenoff R, Grinspoon S, Skolnik PR, et al. Role of cytokines and testosterone in regulating lean body mass and resting energy expenditure in HIV-infected men. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2002;283(1):E138-E145.