The Effects of a Nutrition Intervention on Body Weight and Body Composition of HIV-Infected Individuals at Risk of Wasting Syndrome

Abstract

Wasting syndrome is an opportunistic disease associated with HIV infection, and is characterized by a loss of lean body mass. The purpose of this study was to employ a non-experimental nutrition intervention in order to stop or reverse the wasting process. Thirteen free-living individuals were examined in a community setting, and all subjects were screened to be at risk for wasting syndrome based on parameters of nutritional and economic risk. The intervention consisted of individualized nutrition counseling and access to a food pantry with groceries and nutritional supplements. Body composition was measured with bioelectncal impedance analysis (BIA). Measurements at baseline indicated that many (54% to 62%) of the subjects were malnourished based on standards for percent of ideal body weight (%IBW), body mass index (BMI), percent of ideal body cell mass (%1BCM), and phase angle. Results showed that most (64% to 85%) of the subjects increased in total weight, %IBW, BMI, %IBCM, phase angle, and body fat mass. The mean difference for all thirteen subjects was an increase of 5.5 pounds of total weight, 3.8% of %IBW, 0.28 degrees of phase angle; and 0.84kg/m2 of BMI (p<.05). Subjects improved mean body cell mass by 2.3% of %IBCM and had a 2.9 pound increase in body fat mass which approached significance. The number of days spent in the study varied for each subject; however, being in the study for a longer time was not significantly correlated with a greater increase in the variables measured. Subjects malnourished at baseline displayed a pattern of greater increase compared to those in average standard categories of nutritional status. These findings illustrate the positive outcomes of nutrition therapy on body weight and body composition and support the need for nutrition intervention for free-living individuals infected with HIV who are at risk for wasting syndrome.