[Assessing the nutritional status of treated HIV-positive individuals].

Abstract

The article focuses on the role of nutrition as a risk factor for the development of lifestyle diseases in people living with HIV. Among these individuals, an increase in obesity and the progression of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes occur faster and appear earlier than in the HIV-negative population. A combination of an unhealthy lifestyle, chronic HIV-related inflammation, and long-term antiretroviral therapy increases the risk of these comorbidities. Regularly takings patients' medical history, including substance abuse, is important for monitoring their nutritional status. It is also crucial to regularly monitor body weight and fat distribution (e.g., using the waist-hip ratio). Patients' social and work conditions are key to establishing effective nutritional interventions as they can affect their ability to adhere to regular diets and physical activity. Laboratory tests are also used to assess nutritional status by monitoring parameters such as lipid profiles, blood glucose levels, and immune function. In a general practitioner's office, the emphasis is placed on preventing and diagnosing the aforementioned comorbidities early and initiating long-term, sustainable nutritional interventions. Overall, infectious disease doctors and general practitioners také a comprehensive approach to monitoring and adjusting the lifestyle of HIV-positive individuals, thereby significantly contributing to prolonging and improving their quality of life. Keywords: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, nutritional status, lifestyle diseases.