When people with HIV lose more than 10% of their body weight without trying, they have what is called wasting syndrome. It is one of the most common symptoms of advanced HIV infection.
What you should know about wasting syndrome:
- It can be a sign that HIV infection is getting worse
- It can be caused by:
- The inability of the body to use food the right way
- Diarrhea
- Not eating enough
- Infections
- HIV infection itself
- Here are ways wasting syndrome can be treated:
- Start HIV treatment—If you have HIV and have not started taking HIV medicines, you may regain weight if you start them
- Add special drinks to your diet (liquid nutritional supplements)—These drinks may help people with HIV who eat but still do not gain weight or have trouble eating solid foods. Your healthcare provider can tell you about the best types of nutritional supplements to use
- Testosterone (said: tes-TOS-tuh-rone)—Testosterone is a male sex hormone. Both men and women with wasting syndrome can take it. It is taken by putting testosterone gel or a patch on the skin, or by getting an injection. It may help muscle growth, make you feel less tired, and increase your desire to eat
- In some men with HIV, wasting is linked to a condition called hypogonadism (said: hy-po-GO-nad-izm), which is caused by the loss of testosterone in their bodies. If you are low on energy or depressed, ask your healthcare provider for a test to check your testosterone level. Medicine can help
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