SOMATOTYPE AND BODY IMAGE IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS

Introduction: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is associated with the emergence of many adverse effects on the population with HIV/Aids, one of which is lipodystrophy. Characterized by abnormal fat reorganization throughout the body, it is one of the most significant effects, involving cardiometabolic risks and impaired body image. Objective: To analyze the somatotype and body image of people living with HIV/AIDS. Methods: The sample consisted of five women (47.8 +/- 6.53 years), physically active and in use of HAART. An intervention with concurrent training and dietary counseling was performed, evaluating body shape by somatotype and body image by the scale of silhouettes. Results: There was no difference in the classification of somatotype, however, the results showed a significant difference for the analysis of dispersal distance between somatotypes (DDS) in the 1(st) week (DDS = 2.63) and 16th week of intervention (DDS - 2.96) when evaluated by means; when evaluated individually, there was a significant difference both in DDS and in spatial distance between somatotypes (DES) in case 1, in the 8th week (DDS = 3.20 and DES = 1.01) and 16th week (DDS = 2.73); and case 3, in the 1st week (DDS = 9.25 and DES = 1.44) and 16th week (DDS = 8.06 and DES = 1.37). In relation to body image, it was observed that the actual image is closer to the ideal image (initial actual image = 6; final actual image = 5, and initial and final ideal Image = 3). Conclusion: The concurrent training program, associated with nutritional counseling, produced positive results in both somatotype and body image perception of the participants, proving its effectiveness in controlling lipodystrophy and improving the body image satisfaction of the evaluated group.