People with more belly fat and metabolic issues tend to have lower levels of a hunger hormone called ghrelin, which is linked to higher fat in the liver, more leptin (a fullness hormone), and higher blood pressure.
Scientific Claim
Lower fasting ghrelin levels are associated with higher visceral adipose tissue, intrahepatic fat, leptin, and blood pressure in adults with abdominal obesity and dyslipidemia.
Original Statement
“Among 294 participants (body mass index = 31.3 kg/m2; FGL = 504 ± 208 pg/mL; retention rate = 89.8%), lower FGL was associated with unfavorable cardiometabolic parameters such as higher visceral adipose tissue (VAT), intrahepatic fat, leptin, and blood pressure (P < 0.05 for all; multivariate models).”
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 explicitly states 'lower FGL was associated with unfavorable cardiometabolic parameters', so the verb strength is correct.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Diet-induced fasting ghrelin elevation reflects the recovery of insulin sensitivity and visceral adiposity regression.