Obesity among women with HIV

With the introduction of novel and more potent antiretroviral therapies (ART), persons with HIV (PWH) are living longer lives and experiencing higher rates of age- and weight-related comorbidities, including cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Women with HIV (WWH) experience disproportionate rates of obesity, as evidenced by longitudinal observational cohorts both in the United States and globally.

In this article, we aim to review major research findings regarding WWH and obesity over the past few years. Multiple studies have evaluated geographic changes in the obesity epidemic across the globe with focus on developing countries who have seen a drastic change in obesity rates. Other new data assessed the effect of antiretroviral therapy on WWH, the cardiovascular effects of obesity in women on ART including data from the recently published REPRIEVE Trial, and issues unique to women, such as pregnancy and the effect of menopause on WWH.

Comorbid cardiometabolic conditions are rapidly increasing, in correlation with the obesity epidemic among PWH. WWH may be disproportionately impacted, and experience further effects of obesity, compounded by health disparities in many areas of the world. Further research on the most effective interventions to minimize weight gains and decrease obesity among WWH are urgently needed.