Weight Gain and Antiretroviral Therapy

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Endocrinology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Body weight changes are a significant concern for people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART).
• Emerging evidence suggests certain ART agents possess weight-suppressing properties, prompting a re-evaluation of their impact on body weight.
• Understanding the relationship between ART and weight is crucial for optimizing treatment and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current literature on the determinants of body weight in ART-naïve and ART-experienced PWH.
• To review factors associated with obesity and adiposity in PWH.
• To explore the metabolic consequences and clinical management strategies for ART-associated weight gain.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of recent scientific literature.
• Analysis of studies investigating ART agents' effects on body weight.
• Examination of clinical measurements of adiposity and metabolic changes.

Main Results:

• Specific ART agents, such as efavirenz and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, have demonstrated weight-suppressing effects.
• Other ART medications may be associated with weight gain, requiring careful consideration.
• Metabolic complications and clinical management of weight gain in PWH are complex and multifactorial.

Conclusions:

• ART regimens play a critical role in modulating body weight among PWH.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind ART-induced weight changes and develop targeted interventions.
• Personalized management strategies are essential for addressing weight concerns in PWH on ART.