Weight-Loss Danger

Risks for serious HIV-related complications and death rise measurably with loss of as little as 3% to 5% of total body weight over a six-month period, and such adverse antiretroviral-related side effects as nausea and gastrointestinal problems can worsen the odds for such weight loss, researchers report in the December 2004 edition of the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. Because of the health risks linked to unwanted weight loss, doctors should work with their patients to minimize drug-related side effects as much as possible to ensure they are able to eat adequate and healthy diets.