Only HIV patients whose belly fat shrinks by at least 8% after taking this drug also get healthier-looking fat on scans — others don’t benefit in this way.
Scientific Claim
In people living with HIV (PWH) with central adiposity, only those who respond to tesamorelin with a ≥8% reduction in visceral fat show significant improvements in fat density, while placebo-treated participants show no meaningful change.
Original Statement
“Participants from two completed, placebo-controlled, randomized trials of tesamorelin for central adiposity treatment in PWH were included if they had either a clinical response to tesamorelin (VAT decrease ≥8%, ≈70% of participants) or were placebo-treated.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
definitive
Can make definitive causal claims
Assessment Explanation
The claim accurately reflects the study’s inclusion criteria and results. The verb 'show' is appropriately used to describe observed outcomes in a defined subgroup.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Tesamorelin improves fat quality independent of changes in fat quantity
Only HIV patients who lost a lot of belly fat from the drug tesamorelin saw their fat become healthier and denser; those who got a placebo didn’t improve at all.