The evolution ofdata about the HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome has been rapid. The syndrome itself is complex and controversial. Although great progress has been made in understanding epidemiology and etiology of the syndrome, much about the syndrome remains mysterious. It was our intention to assist HIV providers with a framework for understanding the status and complexities ofthe field. Each author was requested to provide an evidence-based discussion of a topic for which they have expertise. While it is impossible that such a volume be completely comprehensive, we believe that the approach of this book will allow the reader to develop a relatively complete snapshot of the syndrome. We also believe that the reader of this volume will be able to confront the emerging literature on the HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome with a critical eye and that the volume will provide a context in which to place additional data as they are published.

The evolution ofdata about the HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome has been rapid. The syndrome itself is complex and controversial. Although great progress has been made in understanding epidemiology and etiology of the syndrome, much about the syndrome remains mysterious. It was our intention to assist HIV providers with a framework for understanding the status and complexities ofthe field. Each author was requested to provide an evidence-based discussion of a topic for which they have expertise. While it is impossible that such a volume be completely comprehensive, we believe that the approach of this book will allow the reader to develop a relatively complete snapshot of the syndrome. We also believe that the reader of this volume will be able to confront the emerging literature on the HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome with a critical eye and that the volume will provide a context in which to place additional data as they are published.