Why treat fat and metabolic changes?

Some clinicians have in the past questioned the need to treat lipodystrophy if an individual continues to maintain an undetectable viral load on treatment, and have described the manifestations as a cosmetic problem. Many people with HIV do not see it this way. People with HIV frequently refer to the way in which lipodystrophy and lipoatrophy mark them out as people with HIV, increasing the stigma of the infection once more.

The need to treat body fat changes is now widely appreciated by doctors, and research into treatments for body fat changes is a growing field of interest.

There are also concerns that the metabolic changes apparent on HAART may increase the risk of heart disease in some individuals, reducing the long-term benefits of HAART. Metabolic changes may also cause diabetes, pancreatitis and other life-threatening conditions and thus should be treated.

Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.