By Lelethu Mburwana
- Khanyisa Ndoda lives with lipodystrophy after taking older HIV treatment, and the condition changed her body in ways she never expected – but she still fights on.
- Khanyisa now shares her life on TikTok, where more than 350,000 people enjoy her dancing, music, and honest posts about living with the condition.
Khanyisa has carried the weight of a disfiguring condition for years. But she also carries a spirit the world could not break.
She developed irreversible lipodystrophy after taking older HIV treatment.
The drugs caused severe fat build-up in her upper body.
The physical changes brought stares and painful comments. People told her she looked fit, like she spent hours in the gym. But they had no idea how hard she was fighting inside.
Khanyisa was only 21 when she found out she was HIV-positive. She was alone when she got the news. “It was a horrible experience,” she says.
In 2014, she started treatment. Back then, the pills were many, and her body struggled.
She went through months of tests to find the right mix.
Things settled for a while. Then, in 2018, her body started changing.
“At first, I thought it was just my natural shape,” she says. “But when the weight gain became more visible, I knew something was wrong.”
Doctors later told her the condition was permanent. The shock was heavy, and she battled to accept her new body.
Over time, she chose to embrace survival instead of shame. Today she spreads joy on TikTok.
More than 350,000 followers enjoy her dancing, her Amapiano videos, and her bright energy.
She also decided not to have children. She says the choice gives her peace of mind.
Khanyisa now collects three months of medication at a time and only sees a doctor twice a year.
Pictured above: Khanyisa Ndoda.
Image source: Supplied
