HIV-Associated Wasting
Metabolic disorder affecting lean body mass
HIV-associated wasting or cachexia is a metabolic disorder that causes the body to consume vital muscle and organ tissue (lean body mass) for energy instead of primarily relying upon the body’s stored fat. People with HIV-associated wasting typically experience a loss of 5-10% or more of lean body mass, consisting of muscle tissue, organs, blood cells and lymphatic fluids.
Despite the introduction of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), which extends the lives of people infected with the virus, HIV-associated wasting remains one of the principal causes of ill health in people with HIV/AIDS. Studies have shown that HIV-associated wasting, when left untreated, is directly correlated with mortality.
There are a number of key contributors that may lead to HIV-associated wasting, including diarrhea, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, infections, recreational drug use and depression. Patients lose weight and feel tired, and can be prone to more infections or other medical complications associated with HIV infection. In addition, individuals suffering from HIV-associated wasting may find tasks such as exercising, working or performing household chores difficult.
Today, there are three approaches to the treatment of HIV-associated wasting:
- Identifying and treating the underlying cause of wasting
- Non-drug interventions such as improvements in diet and exercise
- Use of drugs to increase appetite, build lean body mass and improve metabolism
HIV/AIDS resources
- AIDS Treatment Data Network, New York, NY
Tel: +1-212-260-8868
Toll free: +1-888-734-7104
International: +1-301-519-0459
http://www.hivatis.org - European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG), Düsseldorf, Germany
Tel: +49-211-788-3481
Fax: +49-211-788-5441
e-mail: office@eatg.org - National Association of People With AIDS (NAPWA), Washington, DC
Project (NWHP), Washington, DC
Tel: +1-202-547-1155
http://www.napwa.org - National Women and HIV/AIDS
Project (NWHP), Washington, DC
Tel: +1-202-547-1155 - Pediatric AIDS Foundation (PAF), Santa Monica, CA
Tel: +1-888-499-4673 (toll free)
Tel: +1-310-395-9051
http://www.pedAids.org - AIDS Nutritional Services Alliance (ANSA):
Currently relocating, for information contact:
Project Angel Food
Los Angeles, CA
Tel: +1-213-845-1800 - American Foundation for AIDS Research (AMFAR),
New York, NY
Tel: +1-212-682-7440
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