HIV and body composition during breastfeeding in Ugandan women

Our paper on HIV and body composition changes during lactation was published online in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. In our cohort of HIV+ and HIV- women from Gulu area in Northern Uganda, we observed minimal changes in body fat and lean mass from 1 week to 12 months postpartum. Strikingly, we found that HIV was not associated with body composition changes during 12 months of breastfeeding. We found that increasing food insecurity was associated with adverse changes in body composition after 6 months postpartum. Moreover, we observed that pregnancy weight gain was a strong predictor of body composition changes, indicating that supporting maternal nutrition before and during pregnancy may have lasting implications. Thanks to our co-authors, research team and collaborators for your efforts!

Beth, Winny and Claire after training in Uganda