Weight loss and progressive wasting syndrome are two AIDS-related complications if not treated properly, can be life threatening. Although anti-HIV therapies have helped reduce the risks of weight loss and progressive wasting syndrome, are still occurring. According to a study published in late 1997, up to 25% of HIV positive persons receiving triple therapy for HIV drugs, continue to experience some degree of weight loss and / or progressive wasting syndrome.

Is there a difference between weight loss and wasting syndrome?

Yes, as its name implies, the weight loss refers to loss of body weight. The progressive wasting syndrome refers to the mass loss or decreased body size, muscle mass being the most notable loss (sometimes called “lean body mass“). Often, both occur simultaneously, but not always. Someone may be losing weight, not losing muscle mass. It is also possible that someone who is losing muscle mass, not drop much weight. For example, some people with HIV lose plenty of muscle. However, experience an increase in fat. This would allow the weight to be conserved, but continued loss (wasting) of muscle mass.

In HIV-negative people, weight loss is generally not a major problem. For example, someone who is on a diet, lose weight at some point. The body will burn fat from the blood or cellular deposits, to obtain the food they did not get through to get food and energy it needs. At the same time, the body works to protect proteins during periods of diet or physical activity. Protein is needed to build muscle, cells and organs. In other words, most people can tolerate the loss of fat, but can not bear the loss of protein.

In people with HIV, especially during periods of illness (eg, MAC or tuberculosis), the body’s energy demands increase. In addition, the body must work hard to turn fat into energy. To save energy, the body can use protein as fuel and fuel its energy needs. This is because proteins are more easily converted to energy than fat. Proteins also are needed to repair damaged organs and immune system cells to replace lost during periods of illness.

So what are some reasons why HIV positive people lose weight or experiencing burnout?

For starters, many people with HIV, just do not eat adequate amounts or types of food, such as those high in protein and micronutrients (eg certain vitamins and minerals). There are many reasons why people do not eat adequate amounts or classes of foods, for example:

* Do not know what the best foods to eat
* Depression
* Financial problems
* Taste disturbance
* Nausea or vomiting (often due to side effects of medicines)
* Dietary restrictions (especially those taking multiple daily doses of certain anti-HIV)