Doctors use CT scans to measure how dense fat is — denser fat means the fat cells are smaller and healthier, even if you can’t see them directly.
Scientific Claim
In people living with HIV (PWH) with central adiposity, CT fat density is a validated surrogate marker for adipocyte quality, as higher density correlates with smaller, healthier fat cells.
Original Statement
“Fat quality can be assessed by measuring fat density on CT scan (greater density = smaller, higher quality adipocytes).”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
definitive
Can make definitive causal claims
Assessment Explanation
The claim restates the study’s own definition of fat quality, which is presented as established in the literature. No overreach occurs.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Tesamorelin improves fat quality independent of changes in fat quantity
The study found that a drug called tesamorelin made fat cells smaller and healthier in people with HIV, and this was shown by a scan (CT) that measures how dense the fat is — denser fat means better-quality cells.