Even after accounting for belly fat loss, tesamorelin still increased paraspinal muscle density by 1.58 units in people with HIV and belly fat, showing a direct muscle effect.

Scientific Claim

After adjusting for visceral adipose tissue changes, tesamorelin treatment in adults with HIV and abdominal obesity was associated with a 1.58 Hounsfield unit increase in paraspinal muscle density, indicating a direct effect beyond VAT reduction.

Original Statement

“After adjusting for changes in VAT, changes in total muscle density of both the rectus and paraspinal muscles remained significant, while other total and lean muscle groups were attenuated and no longer significant.”

From study:The Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Analogue, Tesamorelin, Decreases Muscle Fat and Increases Muscle Area in Adults with HIV

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

appropriately stated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

association

Can only show association/correlation

Assessment Explanation

The claim correctly describes the adjusted effect size and significance using 'associated with' and 'direct effect beyond VAT reduction' as supported by data.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

The Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Analogue, Tesamorelin, Decreases Muscle Fat and Increases Muscle Area in Adults with HIV

Randomized Controlled Trial

Human

2019

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

The Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Analogue, Tesamorelin, Decreases Muscle Fat and Increases Muscle Area in Adults with HIV

Score: 60

DOI: 10.14283/jfa.2018.45

Similar Assertions

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