A bounded review of two randomized placebo-controlled trials in adults living with HIV and abdominal fat accumulation.12
Bottom line from this bounded source set
The reviewed trials reported reductions in visceral adipose tissue, and the smaller trial also reported a modest reduction in liver fat. These studies do not establish long-term clinical outcomes or effects outside the studied HIV populations.12
Reviewed study record
Twenty-six-week visceral-fat trial
Design
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial assessed computed-tomography visceral adipose tissue and metabolic measures over 26 weeks.1
Population
The trial randomized 412 adults living with HIV who had abdominal fat accumulation during antiretroviral therapy; 86% were men.1
Outcomes reported
Visceral adipose tissue reportedly decreased by 15.2% with tesamorelin and increased by 5.0% with placebo. More participants receiving tesamorelin withdrew because of an adverse event, while the groups did not differ significantly in the reported glycemic measures.1
Limitations
The 26-week trial was limited to adults living with HIV and treatment-associated abdominal fat accumulation and did not establish longer-term clinical outcomes.1
Reviewed study record
Six-month visceral- and liver-fat trial
Design
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled preliminary trial assessed visceral adipose tissue, liver fat, and metabolic measures over six months.2
Population
The single-center trial enrolled 50 antiretroviral-treated adults living with HIV and abdominal fat accumulation; 48 received study treatment.2
Outcomes reported
The reported treatment difference was -42 square centimeters for visceral adipose tissue and -2.9 percentage points for liver fat. The six-month glucose changes were not statistically significant.2
Limitations
The preliminary study was small, single-center, and six months long; the authors stated that further study was needed to determine clinical importance and long-term consequences.2
No registered Crossref update in the reviewed snapshotChecked August 19, 2026 for DOI 10.1056/nejmoa072375. This bounded result is not proof that the publication has never been corrected or retracted. Open the pinned Crossref work endpoint ↗
No registered Crossref update in the reviewed snapshotChecked August 19, 2026 for DOI 10.1001/jama.2014.8334. This bounded result is not proof that the publication has never been corrected or retracted. Open the pinned Crossref work endpoint ↗