Overview

HIV-associated wasting or cachexia commonly involves involuntary loss of lean body mass or body weight. Loss of lean body mass can lead to muscle weakness and may also contribute to more serious health problems. HIV-associated wasting remains a challenging scientific problem.

The etiology may be multifactorial and include metabolic changes. Multifactorial and coexisting physiological mechanisms have been proposed for HIV-associated wasting, but all are still theories. Inadequate caloric intake and metabolic abnormalities can play a key role, according to some studies; however, no consensus has emerged on the cause of HIV-associated wasting. Some factors associated with metabolism and/or reduced caloric intake that may be potentially important individually, or collectively, in triggering weight loss/HIV-associated wasting.

Today, there are three approaches to the treatment of HIV 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 your body's metabolism

If you're concerned about HIV-associated wasting or to learn more, visit www.gdetail.com/ser and contact your physician.