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.

Scientific Claim

In HIV-infected patients with abdominal obesity and elevated baseline transaminases, those with ≥8% VAT reduction had a higher rate of ALT normalization (≤30 U/L) at 26 weeks compared to nonresponders (35% vs. 18%, P = 0.007).

Original Statement

“Among tesamorelin-treated subjects with elevated baseline transaminases, 35% of VAT responders compared to 18% of VAT nonresponders had normalization of ALT at week 26 (responders vs. nonresponders, P = 0.007).”

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 uses 'had a higher rate' which correctly reflects the observed association without implying causation, consistent with the study's design.

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

Among HIV patients with high liver enzymes, 35% of those who lost at least 8% visceral fat from the drug had their ALT levels return to normal after six months, compared to 18% of those who didn't lose much fat.

90%

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.

89%

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.

87%

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.

85%

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.

84%