Predictors of Weight Gain in Individuals Living with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: To identify the predictors of weight gain in people living with HIV (PLHIV) using antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: Observational, analytical, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, with 186 participants followed up at a specialized HIV service. Sociodemographic, behavioral, clinical, and anthropometric data were collected. Associations between overweight and independent variables were assessed using chi-square and logistic regression analyses, adopting a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Most participants were male (62.5%), aged between 40 and 49 years (33.2%). Overweight was prevalent in 70% of the sample, predominantly affecting males, sedentary individuals, and those with diabetes mellitus. There was a statistically significant association between overweight and age (p = 0.047), as well as with a diagnosis of diabetes (p = 0.029). Despite the high rate of viral suppression (97.3%), there was a prevalence of metabolic alterations, such as dyslipidemia and sedentary lifestyle. Conclusions: Weight gain in PLHIV in ART is associated with metabolic factors and age. The strategic role of health professionals in monitoring BMI, health education, and preventing unfavorable clinical outcomes, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, is highlighted.