How HIV treatment affects appetite and weight in postpartum women and their infants

Appetite regulation with DTG based ART in postpartum women living with HIV and their infants (Ar-DART)

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10838916

This study is looking at how a specific HIV treatment called Dolutegravir affects the appetite and weight of new moms living with HIV, as well as how it impacts the growth and health of their babies, to help find better ways to support both mothers and their children.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10838916 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of Dolutegravir (DTG)-based antiretroviral therapy on appetite regulation and body weight in postpartum women living with HIV. The study aims to understand how these treatments influence weight retention and appetite, which are critical for preventing future health issues like obesity and non-communicable diseases. Additionally, it will explore the impact of maternal DTG treatment on the growth and body composition of their infants, particularly those exposed to HIV. By leveraging existing data from mother-infant pairs, the research seeks to identify potential interventions to improve health outcomes for both mothers and their children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are postpartum women living with HIV who are on DTG-based antiretroviral therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are not postpartum or those who are not living with HIV may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management of weight and appetite in postpartum women living with HIV, ultimately reducing their risk of obesity and related health issues.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of antiretroviral therapies on weight and appetite, making this study a valuable continuation of that work.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.