Dietary intake and overweight and obesity among persons living with HIV in Atlanta Georgia

ABSTRACT

In the U.S., there has been a rise in overweight and obesity among persons living with HIV (PLWH). The aim of this study was to examine dietary intake and body mass index (BMI) in PLWH in Atlanta Georgia relative to the U.S. population. Dietary intake among PLWH was compared with recommended standards as well as estimated dietary intake for adults in the U.S. Over 31% of the study participants were overweight [BMI = 25–29.9 kg/m²], and 33.1% obese [BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²]. Results indicated significant dietary differences between participants in our sample and U.S. daily recommendations for adults as well as estimated intakes of the U.S. population. Both males and females consumed more percentage of energy from fat and less fiber as well as fruit and vegetables servings than what is recommended. Results suggest that overweight and obesity are an additional health burden to PLWH in our sample and that their daily dietary practices are not meeting the U.S. government-recommended nutritional standards.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV/AIDS
• obesity
• Body Mass Index
• dietary intake
• nutrition

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Research Grant and NIH traineeship under Institutional National Research Service Award T32-MH074387 (PI: Seth C. Kalichman) and also supported by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [grant numbers R01-AA021471 and R01-AA023727].