WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS & IMPACT OF HIV-ASSOCIATED WASTING?
3 key symptoms
There are 3 key elements of HIV-associated wasting:
LOSS OF LEAN BODY MASS (LBM)
People living with HIV have changes in the way the body builds and breaks down LBM. LBM is your total body composition without fat. Losing LBM leads to decreased energy and physical endurance.
UNINTENTIONAL WEIGHT LOSS
HIV-associated wasting causes people to lose weight without trying. Their clothes may fit more loosely, and friends, family, and coworkers may comment that they look different.
DECREASED PHYSICAL ENDURANCE
Some people with HIV-associated wasting get tired more quickly than they used to and find they can no longer complete tasks.
Who may be affected?
There isn’t just one type of person who experiences these symptoms of
HIV-associated wasting. The condition can affect a variety of people living
with HIV, including if you:
are newly diagnosed
are a long-term survivor
have your virus well-controlled on antiretroviral therapy (ART)
are on ART and are losing weight without trying
are on ART and have, or have had, an HIV/AIDS-related infection
are living with advanced HIV disease
are on ART, but your viral load has not gone down
have been prescribed ART, but are not taking it as directed
View information about the potential causes of HIV-associated wasting.