The Effect of a Four-Month Low-Carbohydrate Diet on Visceral Adipose Tissue in Obese Subjects with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown a relationship between Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT) and Hepatic Fat Content (HFC), and increases in HFC are linked to metabolic abnormalities similar to those associated with elevated VAT. Several short-term and long-term studies have supported these findings. Lifestyle interventions remain the cornerstone of treatment for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), although the ideal dietary regimen is still under debate. METHODS: were treated with a four-month low-carbohydrate dietary intervention called the "Strong Diet" (StD). VAT and liver stiffness were measured at baseline and after four months of treatment using ultrasound. RESULTS: Our study demonstrates the significant efficacy of StD in reducing VAT in MASLD patients with moderate hepatic steatosis. In subjects with severe steatosis, there is no statistically significant response to dietary intervention. This may be attributed to several irreversible molecular mechanisms that fundamentally alter the hepatic microenvironment and limit the liver's capacity for regeneration and metabolic recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements were largely confined to patients with moderate MASLD, with limited benefit in severe disease. Although dietary intervention remains the cornerstone of MASLD management, patients with severe steatosis should be informed about the potential limited resolution of steatosis, even with optimal metabolic control.
Source: Nutrients
DOI: 10.3390/nu17172905
Institution: Gastroenterology Hospital "Saverio de Bellis"
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
Funder: Ministero della Salute
OpenAlex ID: W4414162250