The longer someone with HIV takes the drug TDF, the more likely they are to lose muscle and gain fat.
Evidence from Studies
No evidence studies found yet.
What Would Prove This
Per GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this claim, ordered from strongest to weakest.
Whether TDF exposure predicts future muscle loss and fat gain.
A 5-year prospective cohort of 200 young PLWH aged 25–45, comparing those on TDF vs non-TDF regimens, assessing annual changes in ALM/h² and fat percentage via DXA, adjusting for duration, CD4, and viral load.
Whether switching from TDF to alternative ART improves muscle mass and reduces fat accumulation.
A double-blind RCT of 300 young PLWH on TDF for >2 years, randomized to switch to TAF or remain on TDF for 2 years, measuring change in ALM/h² and total fat percentage via DXA as primary outcomes.
Association between current TDF exposure duration and body composition.
A cross-sectional study of 100 young PLWH aged 20–50, recording cumulative TDF exposure and measuring ALM and fat percentage via DXA, testing correlations.