Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Family-based weight management for children with HIV is lacking
By Yudkin JS et al.·2026·Texas A&M University, United States·View original on Europe PMC →
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Original publication title: The Gap in Integrated Pediatric Care: A Systematic Review of Family-Based Weight Management for Children Living with HIV.
Plain-English summary
Children living with HIV are living longer, but they are also facing new health challenges, including being overweight or obese, which can be worsened by certain medications they take. Researchers looked for studies that focused on family-based programs to help these children manage their weight, but they found no suitable studies that met their criteria. This means there is a significant lack of evidence on how to support these children in managing their weight while they are on medication. The researchers emphasized the need for future studies to create better care models that combine HIV treatment with weight management strategies. Overall, the search highlighted a critical gap in support for children living with HIV regarding their weight management.
Abstract
<h4>Background</h4>As children living with HIV (CWH) achieve longer life expectancy, they face an emerging 'double burden' of infectious and non-communicable diseases, specifically pediatric overweight and obesity (OW/OB). This risk is exacerbated by weight-inducing Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs). We systematically reviewed family-based pediatric weight management interventions for CWH aged 6 to 12 globally.<h4>Methods</h4>Following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42024554376), we searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane (2007-2024) for clinic-linked behavioral interventions reporting body composition or behavioral outcomes.<h4>Results</h4>From 1026 records and 7 full-text reviews, no studies met the inclusion criteria. Excluded studies lacked clinical integration or targeted adult populations.<h4>Conclusion</h4>This 'null' finding represents a critical evidence gap and clinic concern: CWH receive weight-inducing medications without evidence-based behavioral support. Future research must prioritize integrating care models using implementation science frameworks (RE-AIM/CFIR) to bridge the gap between primary HIV care and obesity management in resource-constrained settings.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41726149