Building your body to survive: the use of anabolic steroids for HIV therapy

The loss of lean body mass (LBM) that is commonly associated with wasting syndrome has been linked to death in HIV disease. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a simple, inexpensive and painless technique used to assess body composition. The test gives a good reading of body cell mass, fat mass, and body water, and can be used to detect loss of LBM when it first occurs. BIA is a useful tool in managing and preventing wasting. Other factors that influence LBM include testosterone levels and anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids, synthetic analogs of testosterone, are a Class III regulated drug. The use of anabolic steroids is controversial, and abuse by athletes led to the drugs being banned for many uses. A list of approved steroids, their actions, and potential problems associated with their use is included. Another table rates the major steroids for their effectiveness in AIDS therapy.