January 5, 2020
by: Lepena Reid – PWN-USA member 2012, Media Spokesperson
I recently appeared on the cover of Poz Focus Magazine for an article about managing weight with HIV. The picture shows me smiling, bright eyes, with my signature red lipstick, blending with the shade of turquoise surrounding me in the background. The response from many was: “you look beautiful,” “awesome,” “go gurl,” “ageless”…
Needless to say, the accolades were heartwarming and elevated my confidence. To my concern, the content of the article’s focus was on health associated with HIV medications that increased weight gain, and the headline is where I would like to begin the conversation.
When it comes to visual appearance, there is certainly a quality of time needed for the preparation of hair, make-up, and wardrobe. I have worked as a stylist, and I know that to be a target point. But when it comes to health, most of the real work of our body’s anatomy is done through our molecular organs and cells hidden deep within.
When I was diagnosed in the ’80s, I made the decision to delay medications because of the harsh outcomes and harmful effects on the body, many times fatal. During those many years, I practiced body awareness, connected with my emotional and physical messaging, and they were useful techniques for my overall health.
When I did begin treatment and changed from 3 pills twice a day to one pill a day, I began to notice that my body was feeling heavier; I was losing my balance and falling. Already having a history of broken bones, I was fearful; but when I stepped on the scale, the proof was obvious: a 5-pound increase may be reasonable, but not a 20-pound increase. So, I began my research and found that the integrase inhibitor Dolutegravir (DTG) had been found to raise the body’s risk of potentially harmful weight gain.
I reached out to other women asking if they had noticed any weight gain (you know how we can feel like the only one) and the response confirmed that many had. In 2016, just after 3 months of treatment for Hepatitis C, I was documented as cured. That was a life-changing moment: knowing that the body and medicine can work in accordance and produce positive results is outstanding.
I now ponder the future and consider the commodities relating to aging and the effect of weight gain it could have on my heart, kidney, lungs, thinning bones, and depression. Thoughts of these conditions bring on stress and additional body discomforts. There have been comments expressed by some women like, “it is what it is,” or “we are still living.” That logic does not suit me. I will continue to practice healthy meal planning, physical activities, rest, and mindfulness techniques.
My effort in 2021 will be to continue with my research on weight gain, consult with professionals on advancements in treatments, and share the information with other women.
If any others are interested, you can complete a simple Food and Drug Administration (FDA) consumer report form www.fda.gov/medwatch 1-800-332-1088 8am-4:30pm
Report your concerns about the medications regarding weight gain or any other issues.
I have not lived with this virus for almost 40 years to have the medications that are supposed to assist me shorten my life. My expectation is to have the velocity to thrive healthily and keep loving my complete self–inside and out…beautifully!
**Join a live conversation with Lepena and Oriol Gutierrez of POZ Magazine on POZ At Home, Monday, January 11, at 7pm EST/6pm CST/5pm MST/4pm PST! Register at pozathome.com/registration.**