Morphologic and metabolic abnormalities remain a common problem in patients with HIV-1 infection, which contributes to poor self image and may negatively impact on patient's adherence to medication and success of therapy. In addition, these physiological and metabolic changes can lead to increased cardiovascular risk. In such patients, excess central fat could be associated with loss of subcutaneous fat. Several strategies to decrease the excess of visceral fat have been assessed. Tesamorelin, an injectable growth hormone-releasing factor analogue, has been shown to improve visceral fat adiposity with relatively little effect on subcutaneous fat with improvement in triglycerides and belly appearance distress. It is well tolerated overall without clinically significant changes in mean glucose or insulin levels. However, these benefits cease if treatment is discontinued.
Keywords: HIV-1 infection; excess abdominal fat; growth hormone-releasing factor analogue; lipodystrophy; tesamorelin.