Nutrition and weight maintenance

November 2004     View PDF     En español

Weight gain supplements

Many weight gain and protein supplements are available through pharmacies, supermarkets and health food stores. These products should not replace solid food. Protein supplements, like those used by bodybuilders, are sometimes used by people living with HIV to prevent or treat weight loss.

When considering these supplements, look into the kind of calories they add. Calories from protein or carbohydrates are often preferable to fat calories. Look for products high in protein and low in sugars and fats. Some claim to be better for metabolic weight gain, promoting the development of protein building.

Protein drinks, like Ensure, Advera, Nutren and Resource, are also commonly used by people with HIV. Advera has the lowest fat content and is highest in protein. It is also the most costly. Ensure is less expensive, but higher in fat and sugars. Both Nutren and Resource are less expensive, but have high fat contents. Again, these products should not replace solid food.

Combining protein and weight gain supplements with exercise is critical for optimal success. Even if exercise is limited to stretching exercises, anything that can help build lean body mass is important. If your diet is limited to liquid nutrition, add fiber from bulking laxatives (like Metamucil) to help clear the colon and control diarrhea.