HIV and AIDS
AIDS Wasting Syndrome
Today, AIDS is the deadly modern disease. As we know, weight loss and wasting syndrome are two AIDS-related complications that, if not adequately treated, can be life threatening. Even though anti-HIV therapies have helped reduce the risk of weight loss and wasting syndrome, both problems still occur. According to a study reported in late 1997, as many as 25% of HIV-positive people receiving triple-drug anti-HIV therapy still experience some degree of weight loss and/or wasting. AIDS wasting syndrome and lipodystrophy can both cause some body shape changes.
Wasting is the loss of muscle. Lipodystrophy is a loss of fat. They are not the same thing. However, wasting in women can start with a loss of fat. It is essential that people with HIV consume enough of the right kinds of food. Some studies have shown that, because HIV is always active, the body requires greater amounts of energy to consistently fuel itself. Even if viral load is being kept undetectable using anti-HIV therapies, additional energy is still required by the immune system to help build new cells and repair damaged tissues. Certain organs, such as the liver and kidneys, also require greater amounts of energy and certain micronutrients to efficiently process the relatively high levels of toxic therapies being consumed on a daily basis.
The Causes of Wasting Syndrome
Low appetite is common with HIV. Also, some AIDS drugs have to be taken with an empty stomach, or with a meal. This can make it difficult for some people with AIDS to eat when they’re hungry. Drug side effects such as nausea, changes in the sense of taste, or tingling around the mouth also decrease appetite. The other cause of wasting syndrome is poor nutrient absorption. Healthy people absorb nutrients through the small intestine. Anyway, food processing and protein building are affected by HIV disease. Even before any symptoms show up, energy output is increased. This might be caused by the increased activity of the immune system. People with HIV need more calories just to maintain their body weight.
Hormone levels can affect the metabolism. HIV seems to change some hormone levels. Also, cytokines play a role in wasting. Cytokines are proteins that produce inflammation to help the body fight infections. People with HIV have very high levels of cytokines. This makes the body produce more fats and sugars, but less protein.
Leastly, AIDS wasting syndrome is not well understood. However, it is clear that people with HIV disease need to avoid the loss of lean body mass. Various treatments for wasting are being studied.
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