WHY IT HAPPENS
A number of factors may contribute to HIV-associated wasting
HIV-associated wasting is complicated, and the exact cause is unknown. However, there are several theories as to why it may occur.
WHY IT HAPPENS
A number of factors may contribute to HIV-associated wasting
HIV-associated wasting is complicated, and the exact cause is unknown. However, there are several theories as to why it may occur.
Experts believe that a number of factors contribute to HIV-associated wasting
- The body turns food into energy through a series of processes known as metabolism
- An abnormal metabolism changes how the body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
- If your metabolism is abnormal, your body may draw energy from lean body mass (LBM)
- Losing LBM means you are also losing
- Muscle
- Organ tissue
- Blood cells
- Bone
- Water
- Diarrhea can be caused by several factors, including:
- Infections
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Food allergies and intolerances
- Digestive tract problems
- Side effects of medications
- Diarrhea can lead to abdominal pain, dehydration, weight loss, and other health problems
- Inflammation occurs naturally in the body as a response to infection, stress, trauma, and cell injury
- It helps control tissue damage
- If the body produces too much inflammation, metabolism may change, muscle can break down, and you may have less or no appetite
- Testosterone is a hormone that helps maintain muscle mass, bone growth, adequate levels of red blood cells, and sexual function
- Low levels of this hormone may result in significant loss of lean body mass
- Growth hormone (GH) resistance involves a decrease or absence of the effects of GH in the body
- Your body may be having trouble using the GH it makes naturally or it may not be making enough of the GH it needs
- Loss of LBM may occur if your body is resistant to or has trouble using GH
- Infections may make food difficult to swallow or cause a loss of appetite
- You may skip meals due to this discomfort
- Some infections have been reported to cause changes in metabolism or to increase the body’s caloric needs
- Increased energy needs and decreased nutrient intake may result in weight loss
This is not a complete list of all the factors that may contribute to HIV-associated wasting. Remember that only your healthcare provider can diagnose you with HIV-associated wasting, so this list should not replace the advice of a medical professional.