11 Early Symptoms of HIV Every Woman Should Be Aware Of

9. Unexpected Weight Loss

Unexpected weight loss is a symptom that manifests itself over a longer period of time, and therefore is commonly only noticed during the later stages of untreated HIV. In a process known as wasting, you will begin to lose fat and muscle due to a lack of appetite and your body’s inability to efficiently absorb nutrients.

“Often your friends and loved ones will comment that you’re wasting away,” says Horberg. “Typically, it doesn’t happen in patients who have been treated well with modern medicines.”