Theratechnologies study shows BMI alone is not reliable; importance of screening for EVAF
From GlobeNewswire: 2025-03-12 07:30:00
Theratechnologies presented data showing the limitations of using BMI alone to assess cardiovascular risk in people with HIV. The study emphasizes the importance of screening for excess visceral abdominal fat to better identify those at risk of CV disease, especially in individuals with normal or overweight BMI but high levels of EVAF.
Investigators from the Visceral Adiposity Measurement and Observation Study (VAMOS) found that BMI is not a reliable indicator of excess visceral adiposity and CV risk in PWH. EVAF, one of several risk factors contributing to heightened CV risk in PWH on modern ART regimens, was prevalent even in individuals with normal or overweight BMI.
The VAMOS study, involving 170 PWH, compared 10-year ASCVD risk scores across different BMI and EVAF groups. Obese individuals had the highest prevalence of EVAF, but a substantial portion of PWH with normal or overweight BMI also had EVAF, highlighting the importance of assessing EVAF to accurately determine CV risk.
Individuals with EVAF had higher 10-year ASCVD risk scores regardless of BMI, and pericardial fat volume was significantly higher in participants with high levels of EVAF. The study emphasized the importance of measuring waist circumference to identify PWH at risk of cardiovascular disease, as relying solely on BMI may overlook those with EVAF.
Theratechnologies is a biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative therapies. The company’s Chief Medical Officer highlighted the real-time impact of fat in the body, as shown by pericardial fat volume levels in the VAMOS study. The results underscore the need for more precise tools, like waist circumference measurement, to accurately assess EVAF and identify PWH at risk of CV disease.
The Forward-Looking Statements in this press release include the potential impact of screening for EVAF on identifying PWH at risk of CV disease. Healthcare providers are encouraged to consider the data presented in the study for more accurate risk assessment. The Company advises investors to consider the risks associated with Theratechnologies’ business, as detailed in the “Risk Factors” section of its public filings. 1. The stock market saw a significant increase today, with the S&P 500 reaching a new all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also experienced a strong uptick, gaining over 300 points.
2. In international news, tensions continue to rise between the US and China over trade negotiations. President Trump has threatened to impose additional tariffs on Chinese goods, sparking fears of a trade war.
3. Closer to home, a new study has found that 70% of Americans are not saving enough for retirement. The study also revealed that many millennials are struggling to save for the future due to high levels of student loan debt.
4. On a lighter note, a video of a baby panda playing in the snow at a zoo in China has gone viral on social media. The adorable footage has garnered millions of views and shares online.
Read more at GlobeNewswire: Theratechnologies CROI Presentation Highlights Limitations