Caring for your HIV-related problem: Lipodystrophy 
PROBLEM:  Lipodystrophy are changes occurring as a result of fat redistribution.  It is a side effect of some HIV medications. The changes may include: 
  • Sunken cheeks in the face
  • Increase of fat in the face
  • Prominent veins in the legs (not associated with heavy exercise or muscle building routines)
  • Loss of fat in the legs and arms
  • Loss of shape in the buttocks
  • Increase in fat around the gut (called truncal or central obesity.  A rapid increase in girth caused by the accumulation of hard fat deposits behind the abdominal muscles) 
  • Breast enlargement
  • Fat pad on back of neck (sometimes called buffalo hump)
  • Lipomas (fatty growths in different parts of the body)
TREATMENT: There are many ways to treat this problem. The first step is to contact your physician or nurse.  By working together, a treatment plan can be developed for you. This plan may include prescription or non-prescription medications, counseling or other treatments.
SELF CARE:  Here some strategies that you may try to help you feel better:
  • Exercise has been shown to reduce the amount of fat redistribution.
  • Reduce saturated and hydrogenated fat intake.
  • Increase intake of healthy fats: omega-3s and monounsaturated.
  • Radically reduce intake of refined carbohydrates and sugary foods and drinks.
  • Increase total soluble fiber intake to 25 grams per day. Found to significantly reduce cholesterol levels in combination with a low saturated fat diet.

    • Highest soluble fiber foods: beans, most fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains, especially oatbran, barley, brown rice, quinoa, kuzu root.
  • Eat 25 grams of soy protein per day. Found to significantly reduce cholesterol levels along with a low saturated fat diet.
  • Consider substitution of enriched soymilk for dairy milk, and eat more soy products.
  • Increase aerobic exercise to get the heart pumping: brisk walk, jump-rope, bicycle, rowing.
Guidelines for the symptoms of
Anxiety Depression Diarrhea Fatigue Fever
Forgetfulness Insomnia Lipodystrophy Nausea Neuropathy
Night Sweats Shortness of Breath Skin Rash/Dermatitis Unplanned Weight Loss Vaginal Problems
Home|Symptom Management Strategies|Resources Online|Email the Nurse        ©Dean Wantland MS, RN, MSN
U N I V E R S I T Y  O F  C A L I F O R N I A , S A N F R A N C I S C O

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