Yes, some individuals living with HIV and taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) medications, including Biktarvy, have reported experiencing weight gain and hard belly, also known as lipodystrophy. Lipodystrophy involves abnormal fat distribution and accumulation, which can manifest as a hard belly. This condition and weight Show Full Answer

Yes, some individuals living with HIV and taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) medications, including Biktarvy, have reported experiencing weight gain and hard belly, also known as lipodystrophy. Lipodystrophy involves abnormal fat distribution and accumulation, which can manifest as a hard belly. This condition and weight gain can be distressing and impact both physical and emotional well-being.

To manage weight gain and hard belly, there are a few approaches, but it's important to consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment or health regimen. Here are some strategies that might be discussed:

1. **Reviewing your ART regimen:** Your doctor might consider evaluating your current HIV medication to determine if switching to a different regimen could help manage weight gain without compromising your viral suppression.

2. **Lifestyle modifications:** Incorporating a balanced diet and regular exercise can help manage weight gain. Although these changes might not specifically reverse hard belly, they can improve overall health and well-being.

3. **Medical treatments:** For managing hard belly specifically, treatments like Egrifta SV (tesamorelin) have been approved. This medication is an injectable that can reduce the amount of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy.

4. **Surgical options:** In some cases, if lifestyle changes and medications do not achieve the desired results, and if there's a significant impact on health, surgical options like liposuction or bariatric surgery might be considered for managing fat accumulation or obesity. However, liposuction is not effective for hard belly due to the nature of the fat involved.

It's crucial to have an open and honest discussion with your healthcare provider about your concerns and the impact of weight gain and hard belly on your life. They can offer personalized advice and support tailored to your specific health needs and treatment goals.

 This AI-generated response comes from myHIVteam and other selected sources. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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