That stubborn hard belly fat is something many people with HIV deal with — it's called lipodystrophy, and you're definitely not alone in this struggle. A myHIVteam member shared a very similar experience, saying they tried diets, exercise, and fasting for years without success, and suspected their HIV medications were the Show Full Answer
That stubborn hard belly fat is something many people with HIV deal with — it's called lipodystrophy, and you're definitely not alone in this struggle. A myHIVteam member shared a very similar experience, saying they tried diets, exercise, and fasting for years without success, and suspected their HIV medications were the cause.
The good news is there are several approaches that may help: Diet changes:
- Add more fruits and vegetables
- Focus on high-protein foods like fish, chicken, and beans
- Choose whole grains
- Include calcium-rich foods like yogurt or milk
Exercise:
- Aim for 150–300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week (walking, biking, swimming)
- Add strength training at least twice a week
Medical options to discuss with your doctor:
- Tesamorelin (Egrifta) — an FDA-approved injection specifically for HIV-related lipodystrophy
- Switching to a newer HIV medication, as older drugs are more likely to cause this
- Liposuction as a last resort for stubborn fat deposits
It's really worth bringing this up with your doctor, since switching medications or adding a treatment like tesamorelin could make a real difference. Don't give up — there are options!
July 25
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