The objective of the study “Metabolic abnormalities and being overweight in HIV/Aids carriers in therapy with anti-retroviral drugs”, by Luísa Helena Maia Leite and Ana Beatriz de Mattos Marinho Sampaio, from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, is to estimate how overweight people with HIV are and evaluate the association of being overweight and the use of highly powerful anti-retroviral therapy with the presence of metabolic abnormalities. Between 2000 and 2006 a transversal survey was conducted with the out-patients at a university hospital whose nutrition was being monitored. The sample included 393 HIV patients and those who already had Aids. Nutritional and medical records were used as a data source for personal, clinical and biochemical information. Of the patients 69% were male, between 26 and 49. Excess weight and obesity were identified in 49% of the population studied. The most important metabolic complications were low levels of high density lipoprotein (70%) and high levels of triglycerides (48%) and cholesterol (40%). A larger body mass index was associated with high lipid levels and with evidence of insulin resistance. This study identified a significant proportion of people who were overweight or obese among individuals with HIV and Aids. The researchers concluded that the results indicate that nutritional intervention and changes in life style must be used as strategies to reduce cardiovascular risk in the population in question.
Revista de Nutrição – v. 21 – nº 3 – Campinas – May/June. 2008
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