Antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) have significantly benefited individuals with HIV, but recent concerns about weight gain and metabolic issues have emerged, particularly with older ARTs affecting fat distribution.*
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A systematic review of 50 publications highlighted that patients typically experience the most weight gain within the first year of starting ART, averaging around 5 kg over 18-96 months, along with increased risks of diabetes and hypertension.*
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Despite the expectation that newer ARTs would be safer, findings indicate they are still linked to considerable weight gain and associated health issues, necessitating further research to understand their impact on metabolic health.*