Can I stop taking ARVs so that I lose weight?
Aug 09, 2009
I have been on ARVs for three years.I started ART when my CD4 count was two cells/ml and I was very slim, weighing only 45 kg. Is it possible to stop the drugs for some time to help me reduce weight since my CD4 count is now over 700 cells/ml and I weigh
FACE HIV WITH DR. WATITI
Can I stop taking ARVs so that I lose weight?
Dear Doctor,
I have been on ARVs for three years.I started ART when my CD4 count was two cells/ml and I was very slim, weighing only 45 kg. Is it possible to stop the drugs for some time to help me reduce weight since my CD4 count is now over 700 cells/ml and I weigh 80 kg?
Anita
Dear Anita,
It is not the ARVs that have made you overweight. It is because when you started taking ARVs, your immune system recovered and you started eating more than before. The type of food you eat is also responsible for how much fat you put on especially if it is too fatty. You must continue taking your ARVs even if your CD4 count is high and you are feeling well. To lose weight, please check the amount and type of food you eat.Also see a nutritionist for advice on your diet plus measuring you body mass index which is a better parameter than using only weight.
Can I have children although my CD4 count is below 250ml?
Dear doctor,
Advice people living with AIDS who desire to have children inspite of having a CD4 count below 250 cells/ml?
Catherine.
Dear Catherine,
It is better to seek your doctor’s advice. If your CD4 count is 250 cells and you have not yet started taking ARVs, it is not wise to get pregnant, because it might worsen the your condition. But if you had a low CD4 count, say 50 cells/ml or less and was put on ARVs and the CD4 count rose to 250 cells/ml and remained stable, you can get pregnant without much risk especially if your viral load is low and general medical condition good. If you have a high CD4 count, a low viral load and in good medical condition, you can still transmit HIV to your child. Please take care.
Can I stop taking ARVs so that I lose weight?
Dear Doctor,
I have been on ARVs for three years.I started ART when my CD4 count was two cells/ml and I was very slim, weighing only 45 kg. Is it possible to stop the drugs for some time to help me reduce weight since my CD4 count is now over 700 cells/ml and I weigh 80 kg?
Anita
Dear Anita,
It is not the ARVs that have made you overweight. It is because when you started taking ARVs, your immune system recovered and you started eating more than before. The type of food you eat is also responsible for how much fat you put on especially if it is too fatty. You must continue taking your ARVs even if your CD4 count is high and you are feeling well. To lose weight, please check the amount and type of food you eat.Also see a nutritionist for advice on your diet plus measuring you body mass index which is a better parameter than using only weight.
Can I have children although my CD4 count is below 250ml?
Dear doctor,
Advice people living with AIDS who desire to have children inspite of having a CD4 count below 250 cells/ml?
Catherine.
Dear Catherine,
It is better to seek your doctor’s advice. If your CD4 count is 250 cells and you have not yet started taking ARVs, it is not wise to get pregnant, because it might worsen the your condition. But if you had a low CD4 count, say 50 cells/ml or less and was put on ARVs and the CD4 count rose to 250 cells/ml and remained stable, you can get pregnant without much risk especially if your viral load is low and general medical condition good. If you have a high CD4 count, a low viral load and in good medical condition, you can still transmit HIV to your child. Please take care.