Risk Factors Associated with Overweight and Obesity in HIV-Infected Cameroonian

Introduction: Multiple endocrine and metabolic abnormalities, particularly overweight and obesity, have emerged as significant global public health concerns. This paper examines the impact of these conditions on health outcomes and underscores the necessity for comprehensive strategies to address them. Background: Overweight and obesity have been observed in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) both before and after the initiation of antiretroviral therapy. This study investigates the risk factors associated with overweight and obesity in HIV-infected patients. Methods: A total of 492 HIV-infected patients, both treatment-na？ve and those undergoing treatment, were recruited from Yaoundé Central Hospital in Cameroon. Demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical data were collected from each patient. Blood pressure and abdominal fat measurements were also taken. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to IDF criteria. Patients were categorized into two weight status groups: underweight/normal weight and overweight/obese. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was found to be 27.5% and 8.5%, respectively, with only 6.1% of patients being underweight. Abdominal obesity, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and CD4 cell counts were associated with risk factors in overweight and obese patients. These parameters should be considered when investigating metabolic disorders in HIV-infected patients, as in the general population. Conclusion: Our study indicates a high risk of developing metabolic syndrome among overweight/obese individuals, who were 5.7 times more likely to have metabolic syndrome compared to those of normal weight/underweight. These findings support the hypothesis that overweight and obesity are also prevalent in HIV-infected patients and they are risk factors that have to be taken into consideration to better manage this issue. These results may provide essential information on the fact that being underweight is not the only issue to take into consideration in these patients but that overweight/obesity is now present. Prevention and management strategies should consider both aspects.