New research analyzed by the TriService AIDS Clinical Consortium suggests that nearly 2/3 of the HIV-positive population may be overweight or obese, just about the same as HIV-negative Americans. Doctors attribute this shift to a history of unhealthy eating as well as HIV medications, which have enabled people to live longer and avoid fat-wasting. Out of the 673 participants in the study, 62 percent were over normal weight—a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or higher.
Head researcher Dr. Nancy Crum-Cianflone suggests that more doctors need to screen patients with HIV for high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol levels.
