Body mass index and noninfectious comorbidity in HIV‐positive patients commencing antiretroviral therapy in Zimbabwe

Objectives The aim of the study was to describe the prevalence of elevated body mass index (BMI) in a cohort of treatment‐naïve people living with HIV (PLWH) and to investigate the association of BMI with CD4 count and noninfectious comorbidities including hypertension and renal impairment. Methods A retrospective cohort study of 1598 PLWH at the Newlands Clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe was carried out. Data were extracted from the medical records at baseline and 6 months after initiation of treatment. The univariate association between BMI and CD4 count was assessed and multiple regression models were used to predict factors associated with loss of renal function and change in CD4 count at 6 months. Results Overweight and obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) were prevalent in this cohort (34%), as was the presence of hypertension (18%). Higher BMI was associated with a higher CD4 count at baseline and 6 months (B = 0.28 and 0.24, respectively; P