The effect of weight loss on body image in HIV-positive gay men

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess how body image may be affected by HIV-related weight loss. Qualitative methodology was used: eight gay men with weight loss of at least 10% self-completed a brief, tailor-made questionnaire and then participated singly in semi-structured audiotaped interviews. Questionnaire analysis showed all but one had avoided social activities in the last two months due to self-consciousness over their emaciated appearance; family visits, meeting new people and meeting up again with people after weight loss were most problematic. Interview analysis revealed that in addition to social considerations, bodily comfort and effectiveness were affected, and participants identified weight loss as a clear sign of disease progression. Weight regain was problematic and food had become a difficult issue for most. These results suggest that in gay men, HIV-related weight loss causes significant emotional and physical problems.

The Concept Analysis of Body Image of People Living with HIV/AIDS

“…According to HIV/AIDS patients research, HAART used from progression to AIDS have a significant negative impact on individuals' body image, quality of life, and mood [17] HAART, which can include fat accumulation in the abdomen, breasts, and dorso-cervical region as well as localized fat loss in the face, buttocks, and extremities [18,19].…”

Lipodystrophy syndrome associated with antiretroviral therapy in HIV patients: considerations for psychosocial aspects

“…The "contamination" of body image currently associated with lipodystrophy has been documented; however, the mechanisms underlying the visible disfiguring and stigmatizing morphological changes are still unknown (10,15,17) . In addition, BLANCH and colleagues (9) found that decreased sexual enjoyment and activity were observed after the development of lipodystrophy; however, there were no change in the frequency of condom use.…”

“…Thus, taking into consideration the benefits of antiretroviral therapy, several patients feel that the iatrogenic costs are so difficult to tolerate that they end up by abandoning treatment (17) . This behavior can be understood if we consider not only the stigmatization currently associated with HIV/AIDS, but also the pressure for a "perfect body" currently emphasized by society.…”

“…Alterations in body image faced by these patients have repercussions on affective and emotional health (17) . Thus, taking into consideration the benefits of antiretroviral therapy, several patients feel that the iatrogenic costs are so difficult to tolerate that they end up by abandoning treatment (17) .…”

Perfil antropométrico e distribuição da gordura corpórea relacionados ao risco cardiovascular em adultos vivendo com HIV/AIDS

“…Na pesquisa de Sanches (147) , foi encontrada, em 62,50% dos indivíduos de sua amostra, perda de tecido adiposo na face, o que, segundo os pacientes, lhes conferia aspecto de envelhecimento precoce. De acordo com Tate e George (148) , dentre os segmentos corporais afetados, a lipoatrofia em face é referida como um importante fator estigmatizante para os portadores do HIV, pois os deixa mais vulneráveis na identificação da sua soropositividade e, consequentemente, na degradação de sua autoestima e socialização.…”