The role of nutrition in fat deposition and fat atrophy in patients with HIV.

HIV-associated body shape changes and metabolic abnormalities, called HIV-associated lipodystrophy, are being seen with increased frequency. These issues may be associated with an increased risk of other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, or with poor adherence to antiretroviral medications. Diet may be useful in the prevention and treatment of lipodystrophy and is a cost-effective and non-toxic intervention. At present, there are limited data on nutrition and HIV-related body shape changes. The purpose of this article is to review the roles that diet may play in the development and treatment of fat deposition and fat atrophy.