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.

Scientific Claim

In HIV-infected individuals with abdominal obesity, elevated ALT and AST levels were associated with higher VAT (191 ± 83 vs. 167 ± 83 cm², P < 0.0001) and lower subcutaneous adipose tissue (214 ± 112 vs. 263 ± 136 cm², P < 0.0001) compared to those with normal transaminases.

Original Statement

“Individuals with increased ALT or AST had greater VAT (191 ± 83 vs. 167 ± 83 cm2, P < 0.0001), lower abdominal SAT (214 ± 112 vs. 263 ± 136 cm2, P < 0.0001), and lower limb fat (6.6 ± 3.9 vs. 8.7 ± 5.1 kg, 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 claim correctly describes the observed associations without causal language, consistent with the study's observational baseline analysis.

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 (191 vs. 167 cm²) than those with normal liver enzymes, showing a clear link.

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.

92%

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.

89%

HIV patients with belly fat and high liver enzymes who lost at least 8% visceral fat were more likely to have their ALT levels return to normal after 6 months than those who didn't lose that much fat.

89%

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.

88%