People with higher levels of 'good' cholesterol before surgery tend to lose more belly fat after the surgery, with each unit increase in good cholesterol linked to over 10 times higher chance of bigger fat loss.
Scientific Claim
Higher preoperative high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels are associated with greater VAT reduction after LSG, with each 1 mmol/L increase in HDL-c associated with a 10.55-fold higher odds of greater VAT reduction (odds ratio 10.55, 95% confidence interval 1.09-101.96).
Original Statement
“Multivariate logistic regression identified preoperative VAT and HDL-c as independent predictors of weight loss outcomes. HDL-c (mmol/L) 2.36 1.16 2.04 0.042 10.55 (1.09~101.96)”
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 is observational with unclear design, so causal language is inappropriate. The claim uses 'associated with' which correctly reflects the correlational nature of the findings.