For people with HIV and belly fat who responded to tesamorelin, the drug helped increase muscle density in their trunk muscles by 1.56 to 4.86 units compared to those who didn't take it.
Scientific Claim
In adults with HIV and abdominal obesity who responded to tesamorelin treatment (≥8% visceral adipose tissue reduction), tesamorelin was associated with a 1.56 to 4.86 Hounsfield unit increase in trunk muscle density across four muscle groups compared to placebo.
Original Statement
“tesamorelin was associated with significantly greater increases in density of four truncal muscle groups (coefficient 1.56-4.86 Hounsfield units; all p<0.005), and the lean anterolateral/abdominal and rectus muscles (1.39 and 1.78 Hounsfield units; both p<0.005) compared to placebo.”
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 is an RCT, but the critical analysis specifies using association verbs due to the specific population and secondary analysis context. The claim uses 'associated with' which is appropriate.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
The Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Analogue, Tesamorelin, Decreases Muscle Fat and Increases Muscle Area in Adults with HIV