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.

Scientific Claim

In people living with HIV (PLWH) receiving tesamorelin treatment, increases in subcutaneous adipose tissue density were associated with lower total cholesterol levels (Spearman correlation coefficient r=-0.14, p=0.009) after adjusting for changes in subcutaneous fat area.

Original Statement

“Change in SAT HU and Total cholesterol: r=-0.14, p=0.009 (Table 4).”

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. 'Associated with' accurately reflects the statistical relationship observed.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Tesamorelin improves fat quality independent of changes in fat quantity

Randomized Controlled Trial

Human

2021 Jul 15

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Tesamorelin improves fat quality independent of changes in fat quantity

Score: 70

DOI: 10.1097/QAD.0000000000002897

Similar Assertions

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.

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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.

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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.

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When HIV patients on tesamorelin had denser belly fat, their bodies also produced more adiponectin, a hormone that helps regulate metabolism, showing a link between fat quality and metabolic health.

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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.

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