Prevalence and predictors of HIV-associated weight loss in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy

This study was a cross-sectional study of 122 HIV-positive subjects to determine the prevalence and predictors of weight loss in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Forty per cent reported lipodystrophy, 40% had documented weight loss (mean 6.6kg). Mean intake 13400 kJ (118% of estimated requirements calculated using the Harris-Benedict equation). One hundred (82%) were taking antiretroviral therapy. Using forward stepwise logistic regression analysis only viral load (VL) was significantly associated with weight loss when intake, CD4 T-cell count, lipodystrophy, and age were entered into the model with VL (log copies/mL). Every one log increase in HIV VL was associated with an odds of weight loss of 1.58 (P=0.0008). Weight loss is still common in the HAART era. HIV VL was the most significant predictor of weight loss in this sample. Inadequate dietary intake and self-reported lipodystrophy were not related to weight loss in this population.