If you are living with HIV and lipodystrophy, you may also be living with Hard Belly (excess visceral abdominal fat). It is a different kind of fat that may need a different kind of treatment. This is a significant medical condition that can impact your health and quality of life.
Excess visceral abdominal fat is not like regular fat because it lies deep in the abdominal (belly) area and it is hard to pinch. Whereas regular fat is soft and squishy and lies just below the surface of the skin.
This condition may be associated with significant health issues, including hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
It is not known if reducing excess visceral abdominal fat will have an impact on any other health issues.