For HIV patients with belly fat who responded to tesamorelin, higher subcutaneous fat density (on CT scans) was linked to lower total cholesterol levels, which is good for heart health.

Scientific Claim

In people living with HIV with central adiposity who responded to tesamorelin treatment, increases in subcutaneous adipose tissue density were negatively correlated with total cholesterol levels (r=-0.14, p=0.009) after adjusting for subcutaneous fat area change.

Original Statement

“Total cholesterol -0.14 0.009”

From study:Tesamorelin improves fat quality independent of changes in fat quantity

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 supports correlational claims, and the language 'negatively correlated' accurately describes the observed relationship.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (0)

No supporting evidence found

Contradicting (1)

Tesamorelin improves fat quality independent of changes in fat quantity

Randomized Controlled Trial

Human

The study shows that the drug improves fat quality, but it never looked at cholesterol levels, so we can't say whether the claim about cholesterol is true or false.

Source Study

Tesamorelin improves fat quality independent of changes in fat quantity

Score: 66

DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002897

Similar Assertions

HIV patients on tesamorelin with denser under-the-skin fat had lower total cholesterol, a key indicator of heart health, suggesting better fat quality may improve cardiovascular risk factors.

96%

For HIV patients with belly fat who responded to tesamorelin, denser subcutaneous fat (on CT scans) was linked to less subcutaneous fat area, showing that fat quality and quantity are related.

94%

In HIV patients with belly fat who responded to tesamorelin, thicker subcutaneous fat (on CT scans) was linked to higher adiponectin levels, which is beneficial for metabolic health.

92%

Denser under-the-skin fat in HIV patients on tesamorelin was linked to higher levels of the metabolism-regulating hormone adiponectin, suggesting improved fat function.

90%

In HIV patients with belly fat who responded to tesamorelin, denser visceral fat (on CT scans) was associated with less visceral fat area, showing that fat quality and quantity are related.

90%