BEHIVe
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improving the assessment of overweight and obesity in people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and/or chronic Hepatitis B Virus
IRAS ID
341062
Contact name
Florence Bascombe
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2025/06/195, UCL Data Protection
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 00 days
Research summary
People living with HIV and/or chronic hepatitis B (HBV) may have a higher risk of developing health problems related to weight and fat distribution, such as heart disease and diabetes. This is partly due to long-term inflammation caused by these viruses, as well as the effects of some treatments. Standard measures like Body Mass Index (BMI) do not give enough information about where fat is stored in the body or whether it might be harmful. For example, fat around the organs (called visceral fat) may not be detected using BMI alone.
This study will explore whether alternative ways of assessing body fat and body shape are acceptable and useful for people living with HIV and/or HBV. These include:
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA): a quick test that sends a small electrical signal through the body to estimate fat and muscle levels.
3D Body Scanning: a non-contact method that creates a 3D image of body shape.
Stunkard Figure Rating Scale: a tool that uses silhouette images to reflect how people see their own body shape.
We will invite 100 people from a specialist London clinic to take part in these assessments. They will also be asked to complete some questionnaires. A smaller number will be invited for interviews to share their views about body image, health, and how they feel about these assessment tools.
This research will help us understand which methods are most acceptable and meaningful for patients. In the future, this could lead to better ways of monitoring weight-related health risks in clinical care and support more tailored advice and treatment.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/EE/0198
Date of REC Opinion
8 Sep 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion