Weight loss vs muscle mass loss

[justme53]

Has anyone else noticed that the topography of their body is changing with tx...even without significant weight loss? I have only lost four pounds in 4 months and bounce back and forth between them. Yet several people now have commented on my "weight loss". Yesterday a lady even said, "I like what you've done with your hair." ??? (Hasn't changed in years). But if I look closely, I can see that my face has thinned quite a bit...not gaunt, but more defined, I guess. Every other part seem thinner except for my stomach...seems like it all settling there for some reason. Is this common during tx and can extra protein and resistance training help  me to regain of the muscle I seem to be losing?

[merryBe]

yes and that great Rodrequezz study of yours mentioned the buffalo hump is from all that too.

I never thought I'd yearn for the day I can walk again...but it's coming soon....in fact I hope next by month...what a charge to be able to walk a block...and breathe again ...oh breathing will be such fun!!

Does the fat ever re-re-distribute?  Or am I stuck looking like Quasimodo forever here?

[Virusbuster]

"Does the fat ever re-re-distribute?  Or am I stuck looking like Quasimodo forever here?"

Experiences from HIV people (where this is quite common with certain protease inhibitors) are not encouraging. Also when they change drugs, the fat doesn't really move back. Hopefully, it's different with HCV.

[epiphiny]

Well, that's a bummer, that could mean I'm going to look like a round barrel with extremely long, skinny arms and legs for the rest of my life.

[Marc1955]

I experienced the same thing. If there is any way humanly possible, you should not wait until the end of treatment to deal with it. Resistance weight training is possible while undergoing treatment. Indeed, it may be the easiest form of exercise since it doesn't fatigue you as much as cardiovascular exercise. Exercise is truly one of the few things that all patients on treatment can do to make themselves feel better.

You obviously need to start out very gently and gradually. You can't have the same sort of goals that you would have if you weren't on treatment. But it will make you feel better and it's a good way to combat weight loss.

i know it might seem impossible. Maybe it is. But for me, no matter how bad I feel, I drag myself to the gym because I've learned that a light work out is just about the only thing that will make me feel better.

Good luck!

[justme53]

Well, it's good to know I'm not alone with this. I've resumed my morning yoga now that my strength is back. Also trying to walk each day. But my arms and shoulders are still weak and flabby. I have some hand weights and bands but don't really know how to use them. Guess I better find out! It's amazing how a couple weeks of downtime from sx can affect your body so much.

Thanks for all the input.........Pam

[Marc1955]

Sounds like you're in a great position to start with some weights. Yoga is very popular these days, but it does not build muscle mass. The way to do that is with resistance weight work. Stretching is good but it won't reshape your body.

The easiest way to get started is by finding a trainer who can introduce you to some exercises and give you a program. I don't think it should be hard to find someone who is mature and knowledgeable enough to give you a program fitted to your tx-ing. I hate to say this, but all of us tx-ers basically need an exercise program suited to a healthy, vibrant 72 year old. That will do us just fine. -;)

Personally, I like having a membership in the local YMCA because they have all the equipment. As you improve you'll need heavier weights, so you really need a whole set. You can spot me at the Y; I'm the 98lb weakling doing my workout among all the big, brawny guys.

Good luck!!