hello

[steven6908]

Can you help just read about HCV What is it? and also what does lipo do what is it ?

Steven

[aztecan]

Hey Steven,

Here is some information on Hep C.

http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/HCV_9991.shtml

Lipo is short for lipodystrophy, an unusual change in body shape often associated with some HIV medications.

There are two varieties of lipodystrophy:

Lipoatrophy is the loss of subcutaneous fat in the limbs, extremities and buttocks and face. This is the skin and bones look, with protruding veins, that people seem to dread, although I never thought it looked too bad if you exercise a little and keep your muscles built up.

Lipohypertrophy is the depositing of visceral fat in the abdomen and the growth of fat deposits on the upper part of the back and around the neck.

The belly fat is sometimes called a Crix belly, stemming from one of the meds thought to have caused it, Crixivan, although there are different schools of thought on this and Crixivan may or may not be the culprit. Because this fat is visceral and not subcutaneous, no amount of sit ups or other exercises will get rid of it.

The fat deposits on the back are usually referred to as a buffalo hump, around the neck is called a horse collar.
The buffalo hump can sometimes be removed surgically, while the neck and belly fat cannot. Nor can they be removed by liposuction. It is too risky.

OOPS, edited to add there has been discussion that hyperlipidemia may be associated with lipodystrophy, although there also is some belief some people may have a genetic predisposition to develop it when conditions are right.

I hope this answers your question.

HUGS,

Mark