Psychological and physical health correlates of body cell mass depletion among HIV plus men

Objective: To assess whether significant body cell mass depletion related t o HN is associated with declines in physical health and psychological well- being. Methods: As part of a 2-year prospective HIV study, semiannual asses sments included measures of body composition, psychological status, and phy sical health. Results: As measured by bioelectric impedance analysis, 58 (3 1%) of 187 enrolled HIV+ men had significant body cell mass depletion at so me point during the study, of who 23 subsequently lost at least an addition al 5% of body cell mass in the 6 months between any two consecutive study v isits. This additional body cell mass depletion was associated with signifi cant increase in fatigue, global distress and depressive symptomatology, an d reduced life satisfaction. Conclusion: These data illuminate the importan ce of monitoring body weight and body cell mass, and the need for awareness of the association between malnutrition, mental health, and quality of lif e. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.