One of the greatest challenges facing HIV-infected people is wasting, or loss of body cell mass. Body Cell Mass (BCM) is the metabolically active, energy-producing tissue of the body. One important technique for managing HIV is maintaining optimum BCM, also known as lean muscle mass. The target goal is to raise BCM to 100% of the ideal level relative to one’s height and weight. BCM is easily measured through a body composition test, or BIA (Body Impedence Analysis). If BCM is not what it should be, it can be improved using a three-pronged approach:
ensuring adequate protein intake in the diet;
weight resistance exercise to build muscle (not just aerobics);
optimizing hormone (testosterone) levels therapeutically, if necessary.
If you are experiencing progressive weight loss or declining BCM, please join Mary Miller, R.D., L.D., for a discussion on how to increase BCM through diet, exercise and the use of anabolic hormones. (Mary is the consulting dietician for AIDS Services of Austin and the David Powell HIV Clinic.) UNIMED Pharmaceutical Co. is underwriting the meeting, and coupons for discounts on their AndroGel testosterone replacement gel will be available.
The meeting will be Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 2, at 2pm in the Conference Room at ASA, 7215 Cameron, just north of St. John’s. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, please call Mary at 406-6140.
Find out about Lipodystrophy & Neuropathy! Attend Dr. Armando Meza’s seminar at 12:30 p.m., this Friday, Sept. 28, at ASA. For information, call 458-AIDS.
This article appears in September 28 • 2001.