Understanding Lipodystrophy
Why HIV Treatment Changes Body Fat
"The fat isn't just in the wrong place - it's the wrong kind of fat."
Older antiretroviral drugs (especially stavudine, zidovudine, and some protease inhibitors) are the main culprits. Newer regimens are less likely to cause lipodystrophy, but for those already affected, the changes can persist even after switching medications. That's where tesamorelin comes in - it's the only FDA-approved treatment specifically for this condition.