| Body Composition |
AIDS patients frequently suffered from wasting
syndrome, which occurred with disease progression. There were few anthropometry
studies but some clinicians began to use anthropometry to measure changes
in body composition. Height and weight measurements however, were not adequately
taken or tracked on a regular basis. As the decade progressed, a few investigators
began to research other body measurement techniques such as BIA (bioelectrical
impedance analysis).
|
Measuring body composition by BIA became
more accepted as the decade progressed and a few clinicians used it but
access to this service was still very limited until the end of the decade.
As the decade progressed, more clinicians performed BIA measurements to
measure fat and fat-free tissues and track body fat so they could estimate
lean and fat stores. Lack of training, equipment, time, and funding limited
BIA assessment greatly. After the advent of HAART, fewer HIV-positive people
experienced wasting but the phenomenon continued to occur despite HAART
regimens. Clinicians began to detect a redistribution of body weight (lipodystrophy-
muscle loss with fat gain). |
Lipodystrophy will continue to occur but
decrease in incidence as newer HAART regimens are developed. Clinicians
in HIV/AIDS care will increase routine monitoring of body composition as
measured by anthropometry, including height and weight along with waist
and hip circumferences, and BIA. More nutrition professionals will base
their treatment recommendations on the extent of body cell mass or fat
wasting and hydration along with body compartment responses to therapy
in follow-up monitoring. An increased emphasis will be placed on exercise
activity.
|
| Complementary Treatment Use |
Many people with AIDS sought out alternative
treatments hoping to find a cure. Little thought was given to the consequences
of seeking out these unproven therapies. Thousands of dollars were spent
on unapproved treatments
including urine therapy.
|
HIV-positive people continued to use complementary
treatments. As the decade progressed, more people were considering the
consequences of alternative therapies and avoiding those that could pose
serious risks. Fewer HIV-positive people were foregoing conventional medical
treatment for complementary therapies, as the value of HAART became widely
known. |
The use of vitamin and minerals, along with
other dietary supplements will continue. Most people living with HIV will
use at least one complementary treatment. More HIV-positive people will
learn about and try to avoid detrimental interactions between food, prescribed
medications, herbs, dietary supplements and recreational drugs.
|
