My weight bothers me

 

Generally, in my family, we are big, but now I weigh 104kg. I have also developed a swelling on the back of my neck, which makes me feel uncomfortable and embarrassed. 

 

People make derogatory comments about me, saying I look like a pig. 

 

Can I access ARVs which do not make me blow up?

 

ADear Miriam,

Some of the ARVs in use cause body fat loss in certain body parts like the legs, hips and arms; while in some places like the abdomen, fat accumulates.

 

This could be the cause of the fat pad on your neck, which is referred to as a “ buffalo hump”. 

 

Body fat redistribution can be a source of stigma, especially for people living with HIV (PLHIV) who want to remain anonymous about their HIV status. 

 

They need counselling and where possible, the offending drug can be substituted with another.

 

However, your real problem seems to be obesity or overweight. The relationship between weight and height is what is known as the body mass index (BMI); and it is obtained by dividing your weight in kilogrammes with your height in metres squared.

 

The normal BMI ranges from 18.5- 24.5. The higher the BMI, the more serious your weight problem is. Many PLHIV who fear weight loss associated with AIDS, have this problem, which increases their risk of developing non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and other heart-related ailments.

 

Over weight and obesity are usually associated with lifestyle; including what you eat and how much of it, plus lack of exercise, in addition to genetic predisposition.

 

You may have to be counseled by a nutritionist and given advise concerning your diet as a person living with HIV, so that you enjoy good quality life while on treatment.