People with more belly fat before surgery tend to lose more belly fat after the surgery, with each extra square centimeter of belly fat before surgery linked to a slightly higher chance of bigger fat loss.
Scientific Claim
Preoperative visceral adipose tissue (VAT) levels are associated with the extent of VAT reduction following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), with each 1 cm² increase in preoperative VAT associated with a 1% higher odds of greater VAT reduction (odds ratio 1.01, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.02).
Original Statement
“Multivariate logistic regression identified preoperative VAT and HDL-c as independent predictors of weight loss outcomes. VAT 0.01 0.00 2.74 0.006 1.01 (1.01~1.02)”
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.