Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. Good day, I will like to know what could be done for lipodystrophy, I have a huge belly which working out 5 days a week is not doing anything for. I would like to know what programs are out there for this? Being that this condition is a side affect from the HAART regimen, what is being done to conteract this malady?
Ross Slotten, M.D.
Klein and Slotten Medical Associates
Private Practice in Family Medicine
With a special interest in HIV disease
The condition you're describing, lipodystrophy, is a common problem in people on various HIV medications. It's a syndrome that varies from person to person, but is mainly an abnormal redistribution of body fat. Some people lose fat in their faces, others notice loss of fat in the arms and legs (with an apparent prominence of veins); others get lumps of fat in the back of their necks or develop enlarged abdomens. We don't have a complete understanding of this problem, though it appears to be some sort of strange interaction between the immune system and HIV meds. Not until we fully understand the problem will we be able to treat the problem effectively. However, doctors have tried a number of strategies to reduce symptoms and improve body image. First, you may want to try to lose weight. If you can, your abdomen will be less protuberant. Second, continue to exercise, which won't change the shape of your abdomen but which will keep the rest of your body in good tone. Third, you may want to consider human growth hormone, though it's expensive and must be continued indefinitely to prevent a relapse of the condition. Finally, you could consider liposuction, another expensive procedure with occasional unpleasant side effects, like post-operative infections. In short, there isn't much you can do. By the way, stopping or changing your medication will not result in a reversal of the lipodystrophy.
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