Body composition in women with HIV/AIDS: The relevance of exercise.

Untreated infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) leads to severe physical debilitation, culminating in the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Multiple infections, body mass loss, physical weakness and wasting are characteristic manifestations of each of the four stages of HIV/AIDS, respectively (Table I). The latter two impact especially on the affected person's ability to function, as well as on social and economic levels. However, even though antiretroviral treatment (ART) is now available at many selected public clinics in South Africa, it only complicates the issues surrounding body composition and physical function. Continuing Medical Education Vol. 26 (7) 2008: pp. 339-34