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Is Rapid Weight Loss A HIV Symptom?

Posted on Mon, 8 Jun 2015

Question: My question is HIV related.
I had a low risk exposure(Vaginal Insertion with a condom for couple minutes and don't know if its broken) 6 weeks ago and i keep worrying and reading everything about HIV.
My weight dropped rapidly like 9 pounds in a week and i don't have any other symptom.
Is rapid weight loss a HIV symptom?
this anxiety is killing me.
can anxiety cause rapid weight loss?

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Verma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Take a test for HIV.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.

It is unnecessary to worry. I advise that you must take a test for HIV to clear all doubts. You had an exposure though accidentally. There is a chance though very less. But you must go in for HIV PCR TEST which is quite sensitive up to 97-99% after 6-7 weeks. You can also get a Combo test for HIV( p24 and antibodies) after 12 weeks which is also 99% sensitive. Yes rapid weight loss could be due to severe anxiety and reduction in diet. Stop worrying and get tested and take the results. The symptoms of HIV are different and you have none of such symptoms. So relax and stay in touch for follow-up. Eat healthy and protein rich balanced diet with multivitamins and calcium supplements.

Take care
Hope I answered your query.
If no clarifications then you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Dr. Sheetal Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Sheetal Verma (8 minutes later)

Ma'am,

Thank you for the response. I will get the test done ASAP.

I read in a website that rapid weight loss could be the first symptom of hiv. Please clarify this.

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Verma (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Not true.

Detailed Answer:
No absolutely not. Don't read such websites. I must tell you that initial symptoms of HIV are like seasonal flu. Only when patients develop advanced stage of AIDS after years that patients have symptoms of weight loss, prolonged fever, chronic diarrhoea, etc. So don't worry. Don't related your symptoms to HIV. Take a test to clear doubts.

Best of health
:):)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Sheetal Verma (20 minutes later)

Such relief!! Can I post here If I have anything to ask in future?

Thanks doc!

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Verma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes sure.:):):)

Detailed Answer:
Yes sure. You can directly put the question in my name. Just write Dr. Sheetal Verma followed by your query.

Take care.
Stay fit!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Sheetal Verma (17 hours later)

Doctor,

Is there any chance that this rapid weight loss could be due to hiv infection?
Thanks for the patience.

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Verma (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No absolutely not.

Detailed Answer:
Dear

As I told you that you are in early stages. Weight loss does not occur due to HIV in such early stages. Weight loss is usually seen in advance HIV infection. So don't worry. Keep your mind calm and practice meditation.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Sheetal Verma (26 minutes later)

Ma'am,

I know I'm bothering you with this but I have no other go. I was happy with the previous response until my google searches started returning different answers. In some page it was written " Weight loss can happen in any stage of the infection" and some other term called "Opportunistic Infection". Ma'am, you are a very nice doc using soothing termsand you obviously write well. I very much appreciate your patience but please bear with me.

Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Verma (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
:)

Detailed Answer:
Hi
It is my pleasure to take your questions. Don't do much google searches. Keep occupied in other activities. Move your thoughts away from HIV. Live healthy and take a test on time. I believe you are completely normal and fit. You are free to ask question any time.

:):):)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Sheetal Verma (12 hours later)

That's so nice to hear. I ll try keeping my calm up.

Thanks a ton Doc!

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Verma (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
:): )

Detailed Answer:
Thanks a lot.

Note: Get personalized answers to your HIV related queries You can choose to talk face to face with your doctor. Book a Video Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad