For people with HIV taking tesamorelin, losing belly fat was linked to thicker, denser muscles in the abdominal and rectus areas.
Scientific Claim
In HIV-positive adults treated with tesamorelin, reductions in visceral adipose tissue were associated with increases 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 correlation analysis within the tesamorelin arm is observational within the RCT, so 'associated with' is the correct verb strength. The claim does not overstate causation.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
The Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Analogue, Tesamorelin, Decreases Muscle Fat and Increases Muscle Area in Adults with HIV
In people with HIV who took tesamorelin and lost belly fat, their abdominal and core muscles became denser and stronger, meaning the drug helped improve muscle quality along with reducing fat.