
Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2025 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Like a lot of people facing HIV treatment, clients I'll call Jon and Christie are not feeling so great about their appearance. Jon gets right to the point: 'It's getting too warm outside to hide this belly under a baggy sweater, and I'm not feeling so great about showing it off.' Christie is suffering from a face rash and is hiding under a floppy hat. 'Don't even think about trying to tell me that beauty is only skin-deep!' she says. Who doesn't want to present a perfect face'and body'to the world? The media constantly surround us with images of physical beauty, but the plain truth is that our family genes walk hand in hand with the aging process, and that combination gets very few of us a modeling contract. The reality is that chronic conditions like HIV can also affect how we look. For example, over time some medications can cause changes in body fat distribution or skin texture, which affect appearance. This can be a hit to your self-confidence and result in depression and isolation. But the best makeover begins not with your face but what's inside'your expectations and beliefs. >Start with accepting that each of us has our own look'and our own imperfections. Throw away those images of absolute gorgeousness. Take the pressure off yourself by accepting that you can be an attractive person, inside and out, without living up to an unrealistic expectation of perfection. >Take a look inside, starting with the attitude you project. Have you ever found yourself wanting to avoid'or on the other hand, being attracted to'someone for a reason that you couldn't quite put your finger on? People who allow themselves to wallow in disappointment, anger, and self-criticism seem to wear a sign that says, 'Issues. Stay away.' On the other hand, those who are compassionate, generous, and interested in the world radiate energy that draws others toward them. Developing a more positive attitude is within your grasp; it just takes some work. >Accept that you are more than the sum of your 'hotness.' Sure, who doesn't want to walk down the street and be noticed'if not adored? But beauty is a fleeting thing for even the most beautiful, and at some point life has to be more than what we see reflected in the bathroom mirror. Think about the people in your life who love you and ask yourself what qualities you have that keep you in their lives. Make a list of the qualities that you most value about yourself. Review it when you need an antidote to a negative body image. >Find out what you can do, beginning with focusing on fitness. If you are not sure how anti-HIV medications might be affecting your appearance, have a talk with your doctor. Explore your options, including lifestyle changes, diet, and exercise. Don't forget that taking charge of your health'and feeling your best'is a big confidence booster.  Make the resolution to radiate your own unique personal best, inside and out. McClain is a licensed counselor in New York City with a specialty in coping with chronic and life-threatening health conditions. His books include The Complete Idiot's Guide to Breaking Bad Habits and Empowering Your Life With Joy, and he is a frequent contributor to health-related publications.
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Lexi Love comes out as HIV+ after Trump deletes federal resources
January 23 2025 11:23 AM
Ricky Martin delivers showstopping performance for 2024 World AIDS Day
December 05 2024 12:08 PM
Trump's orders prompt CDC to erase HIV resources
January 31 2025 5:29 PM
Meet ​our Health Hero of the Year, Armonté Butler
October 21 2024 12:53 PM
California confirms first case of even more deadly mpox strain
November 18 2024 3:02 PM
This long-term HIV survivor says testosterone therapy helped save his life.
December 16 2024 8:00 PM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
Broadway's best raise over $1 million for LGBTQ+ and HIV causes
April 03 2025 7:15 PM
The Talk Season 5 premieres this spring with HIV guidance for the newly diagnosed
March 26 2025 1:00 PM
Discover the power of Wellness in your life
March 26 2025 12:41 PM
Season 4 of The Switch on resilience & radical self-love returns this spring
March 26 2025 12:20 PM
Jess King is here to help you live your happiest, healthiest life yet
March 24 2025 4:35 PM
BREAKING NEWS: Trump admin moves to end federal HIV prevention programs
March 18 2025 6:10 PM
Gerald Garth is keeping people of color happy and healthy through trying times
March 11 2025 3:38 PM
Celebrating Black History Month with our annual African American issue
February 01 2025 3:28 PM
Tyler TerMeer vows to continue to fight for health care for all
January 28 2025 3:00 PM
Plus nominated for 2025 GLAAD Media Award
January 22 2025 12:42 PM
A camp for HIV-positive kids is for sale. Here's why its founder is celebrating
January 02 2025 12:21 PM
'RuPaul's Drag Race' star Trinity K Bonet quietly comes out trans
December 15 2024 6:27 PM
AIDS Memorial Quilt displayed at White House for the first time
December 02 2024 1:21 PM
Decades of progress, uniting to fight HIV/AIDS
December 01 2024 12:30 PM
Hollywood must do better on HIV representation
December 01 2024 9:00 AM
Climate change is disrupting access to HIV treatment
November 25 2024 11:05 AM
Post-election blues? Some advice from mental health experts
November 08 2024 12:36 PM
Check out our 2024 year-end issue!
October 28 2024 2:08 PM
AIDS/LifeCycle is ending after more than 30 years
October 17 2024 12:40 PM
Twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir, an HIV-prevention drug, reduces risk by 96%
October 15 2024 5:03 PM