Atazanavir switch doesn’t reduce belly fat

It is estimated about 10-15% of people on HAART [1]Highly Active AntiRetroviral Therapy ??? aggressive treatment of HIV infection using several different drugs together. for more than two years will develop visceral fat accumulation in the abdomen. In a disappointing finding from the REAL study done by investigators at London’s Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, presented at IAS 2008, little difference was shown in visceral fat levels, over 24 months, from those who shifted to atazanavir/ritonavir versus those remaining on their existing boosted protease inhibitor (70% were on Kaletra). Patients who switched to Atazanavir did have a significant reduction in lipid [2]A fat. levels, however.

Presenting the study Dr Graeme Moyle said, “Beyond diet and exercise we’re left with very little to treat visceral fat – it remains a very important clinical [3]Pertaining to or founded on observation and treatment of participants, as distinguished from theoretical or basic science. challenge.”