2023-08-03 21:15:51
Bariatric Surgery Found to Be Effective for Weight Loss in People with HIV, Study Shows
Amsterdam, Netherlands – A recent study conducted by researchers from Radboudumc and Dutch colleagues has found that bariatric surgery can be an effective intervention for weight loss in people with HIV. The findings, published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, challenge the notion that HIV is always associated with being underweight.
Traditionally, HIV has been linked to weight loss and a slim physique. However, the study revealed that people with HIV can also struggle with obesity. In fact, the percentage of men with HIV and obesity is nearly the same as that of Dutch men, while women with HIV were found to be almost twice as likely to be obese compared to Dutch women overall.
Obesity in people with HIV is a cause for concern, as it is often associated with a higher risk of diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Researchers believe that factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, a high-fat diet, and the use of HIV drugs, known as antiretrovirals, may contribute to the development of obesity and metabolic diseases in this population.
To investigate whether bariatric surgery could be a suitable procedure for weight loss in people with HIV, the team analyzed data from the national ATHENA cohort of people with HIV. The study included fifty-one individuals from HIV clinics across the Netherlands.
The results of the study were promising. After a year and a half, eighty-five percent of participants had achieved at least a 20 percent weight loss, which is considered successful according to clinical guidelines. Additionally, most participants showed a marked improvement in their lipid profile, indicating a better metabolic profile. The researchers also observed a significant reduction in the number of medications used by participants after bariatric surgery, particularly those related to obesity.
Lead researcher Leena Zino, from the Pharmacy Department at Radboudumc, emphasized the importance of the findings. “Based on these results, bariatric surgery is indeed an effective intervention for people with HIV and obesity,” Zino stated. “While certain considerations need to be taken into account to ensure optimal HIV control, we are now more confident in the positive effect of this surgery in people with HIV and obesity.”
It is worth noting that the study had a retrospective design, meaning it looked at existing data rather than conducting new trials. Nevertheless, the findings provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of bariatric surgery for people with HIV and obesity.
Moving forward, the researchers hope that further research will delve into the specific effects of bariatric surgery on the metabolism and absorption of HIV drugs. Understanding these dynamics will enable healthcare providers to optimize HIV control while effectively managing obesity in this population.
As the scientific community continues to explore the intersection of HIV and obesity, it is becoming increasingly clear that a comprehensive approach is needed to address the unique challenges faced by individuals with both conditions. Bariatric surgery offers hope for a healthier future for people with HIV who are struggling with obesity, providing a potential solution to improve overall health outcomes and reduce the risk of related diseases.]
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