For HIV patients with belly fat on tesamorelin, losing belly fat was linked to better muscle density in their abdominal and rectus muscles.
Scientific Claim
In HIV-positive adults with abdominal obesity receiving tesamorelin treatment and showing a ≥8% reduction in visceral adipose tissue, reductions in visceral adipose tissue were associated with improvements in anterolateral abdominal and rectus muscle density.
Original Statement
“Among participants in the tesamorelin arm, change in VAT correlated with change in total and lean anterolateral/abdominal and total rectus density (Table 3).”
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 study design (RCT) supports causal claims within the specific population, but the recommended verb strength is association to reflect the specific responder subgroup and avoid overgeneralization. The claim uses 'associated with' appropriately.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
The Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Analogue, Tesamorelin, Decreases Muscle Fat and Increases Muscle Area in Adults with HIV