In men with excess belly fat and metabolic issues, a rise in hunger hormone levels was linked to better blood sugar control, higher 'good' cholesterol, and reduced belly fat, even after accounting for how much weight they lost.
Scientific Claim
Among men with abdominal obesity and dyslipidemia, increases in fasting ghrelin levels were associated with improvements in insulin resistance (HbA1c, HOMA-IR), HDL cholesterol, and visceral adipose tissue regression after adjusting for weight loss.
Original Statement
“Among men, FGL18-month elevation was associated with favorable changes in insulin resistance profile and VAT regression, after adjusting for relative weight loss (HbA1c: r = −0.216; homeostatic model of insulin resistance: r = −0.154; HDL-c: r = 0.147; VAT: r = −0.221; P < 0.05 for all).”
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 abstract states 'was associated with', which correctly reflects the correlational nature of the finding without implying causation.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Diet-induced fasting ghrelin elevation reflects the recovery of insulin sensitivity and visceral adiposity regression.