HIV wasting syndrome is the progressive, involuntary loss of muscle mass seen in patients with HIV.
It is also called HIV-associated wasting or AIDS wasting.
HIV wasting syndrome is considered an AIDS-defining condition and is a factor used by healthcare providers when diagnosing AIDS.
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By contrast, wasting refers to the loss of body size and mass, most notably lean muscle mass.
A loss of 10% of body weight increases the relative risk of mortality by six times.
Antiretroviral medication can often help increase weight in people with wasting syndrome.
People with undetectable viral loads usually have a significant increase in weight.
Summary
HIV wasting syndrome describes the involuntary loss of muscle mass in someone with HIV.
It is sparked by factors such as poor appetite, changes in metabolism, and poor absorption of nutrients.
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