[AIDS 2026] aidsmap: Alternative first-line HIV regimen limits excess weight gain
![[AIDS 2026] aidsmap: Alternative first-line HIV regimen limits excess weight gain](/api/imagekit?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eatg.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F53404.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
A South African study presented at AIDS 2026 suggests that starting HIV treatment with doravirine and tenofovir disoproxil leads to less weight gain than standard regimens containing dolutegravir. Researchers are exploring alternative drug combinations to mitigate the common side effect of weight gain in patients.
Why it matters
Managing side effects like weight gain is crucial for long-term patient adherence to life-saving antiretroviral therapy.
Starting treatment with a regimen containing doravirine and tenofovir disoproxil resulted in less weight gain than starting treatment with a regimen containing dolutegravir and tenofovir alafenamide, a South African study reported at AIDS 2026.
The available evidence suggests that weight gain can occur after starting antiretroviral treatment regardless of the drugs in the regimen. Studies consistently show that weight gain is greater in women and Black populations, especially when taking tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) in combination with an integrase inhibitor, such as dolutegravir or bictegravir.
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