People with less fat under the skin but more fat around organs have more metabolic problems than those with more subcutaneous fat but less visceral fat, even if they weigh less and have smaller waists.
Scientific Claim
Individuals with low subcutaneous fat but high visceral fat have a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome compared to those with high subcutaneous fat but low visceral fat, despite having lower body mass index and waist circumference measurements.
Original Statement
“The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher among those with SAT <90th percentile and high VAT compared with the group with high SAT and VAT <90th percentile... those with SAT <90th percentile and high VAT had a lower BMI and smaller waist circumference.”
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 describes an association between fat distribution patterns and metabolic syndrome prevalence, which is appropriate for an observational study. It uses 'have' for prevalence comparison and does not imply causation.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Patterns of Abdominal Fat Distribution