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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Nutrition and Weight Loss

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Barrie, ON

I'm eating and drinking healthy quite a bit and I keep losing weight. I am also walking a lot. Is this healthy for someone who is HIV positive?

July 21
 · 
Reactions
A myHIVteam Member

Thanks my friend. When I get my disability money next Friday, I will go and get one. I noticed that the powder has Vitamin B12 and my levels for that vitamin are low.

July 24
A myHIVteam Member

YES, they are probably in the pharmacy area

July 24
A myHIVteam Member

if you think you're losing too much weight, the doctors here give us a prescription or coupons for drinks like boost and ensure. Not sure if they sell those in Canada or not.
After looking on Amazon Canada, they do sell these in Canada.
Boost: https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=boost&crid=3BI0B8...
Ensure: https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=ensure&crid=1SKVE...
or you should be able to find them at your local grocery store, look for the high protein ones with extra vitamins. If they don't have the extra vitamins, you DEFINATELY WANT the high protein ones.

https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=ensure&crid=1SKVEOQRFJLQK&sprefix=ensure
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=ensure&crid=1SKVEOQRFJLQK&sprefix=ensure
Amazon.ca
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=boost&crid=3BI0B82WT0HBN&sprefix=boos
July 24
A myHIVteam Member

Hey there. Does Walmart sell them?

July 24
myHIVteam

It's great that you're focusing on healthy eating and staying active — those are really positive steps! However, unintentional or ongoing weight loss can be a concern for people living with HIV, even when eating well and exercising.

Here's why it's worth paying attention to:

- HIV can affect how your body absorbs and uses Show Full Answer

It's great that you're focusing on healthy eating and staying active — those are really positive steps! However, unintentional or ongoing weight loss can be a concern for people living with HIV, even when eating well and exercising.

Here's why it's worth paying attention to:

- HIV can affect how your body absorbs and uses nutrients
- Certain ART medications can influence body weight and composition
- Significant weight loss may signal that your immune system needs extra support Walking is a wonderful form of exercise and generally very beneficial. But if the weight loss feels unintentional or excessive, it's important to flag this with your doctor sooner rather than later.

A few things worth discussing with your healthcare team:

- Whether your current ART regimen could be contributing to weight changes
- A referral to a registered dietitian who can tailor a nutrition plan specifically for you
- Whether your calorie or protein intake needs to be adjusted to support a healthy weight A myHIVteam member once shared, "I hate when people point out my weight loss. It does something to me mentally." — so know that your concern is completely valid and shared by others.

The bottom line: healthy habits are fantastic, but unexpected weight loss deserves a conversation with your doctor to make sure everything is on track. 💙

July 21

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