HIV patients with belly fat and high liver enzymes had more visceral fat (191 vs. 167 cm²) than those with normal liver enzymes, showing a clear link.

Scientific Claim

In HIV-infected patients with abdominal obesity, elevated baseline ALT or AST levels were associated with higher visceral adipose tissue measurements (191 ± 83 vs. 167 ± 83 cm², P<0.0001) compared to those with normal transaminases.

Original Statement

“Elevated transaminases were associated with greater VAT (191 ± 83 vs. 167 ± 83 cm2, P < 0.0001).”

From study:Visceral fat reduction with tesamorelin is associated with improved liver enzymes in HIV

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 association claims. The language appropriately reflects the observed correlation without implying causation.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Visceral fat reduction with tesamorelin is associated with improved liver enzymes in HIV

Randomized Controlled Trial

Human

2017 Oct 23

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Visceral fat reduction with tesamorelin is associated with improved liver enzymes in HIV

Score: 62

DOI: 10.1097/QAD.0000000000001614

Similar Assertions

HIV patients with belly fat and high liver enzymes had more visceral fat and less fat under the skin than those with normal liver enzymes.

96%

HIV patients with belly fat and high liver enzymes who lose at least 8% of visceral fat see a bigger drop in AST levels than those who don't lose that much fat.

95%

In people with HIV and belly fat, higher amounts of visceral fat at the start were linked to higher liver enzyme levels.

93%

For people with HIV and belly fat who have high liver enzyme levels, those who lose at least 8% of their visceral fat see a bigger drop in ALT levels than those who don't lose that much fat.

90%

In people with HIV and belly fat, having more visceral fat was linked to higher levels of a liver enzyme called ALT, which suggests a connection between belly fat and liver health.

90%