A new study has found that an experimental high-protein, lower-carbohydrate diet or a medication called orlistat could help reduce liver fat in Asian patients with obesity and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).
MAFLD is a condition in which too much fat builds up in the liver in people who drink little to no alcohol. It is a very common condition that affects millions worldwide.
Over time, MAFLD can lead to liver inflammation, scarring (fibrosis), and even more severe complications.
Weight loss through lifestyle changes—such as healthier eating and regular exercise—is usually the first-line treatment, but many people find it challenging to maintain lifestyle changes long-term.
In the study, 118 Asian patients with obesity and MAFLD were randomly assigned to one of three groups:
- Control group
- Orlistat group
- Experimental diet group (high-protein, lower-carbohydrate diet)
The control group received no specific intervention, while the experimental diet group followed a structured high-protein, low-carbohydrate eating plan.
After 24 weeks, all three groups showed some improvement in liver steatosis (fat accumulation in the liver). However, the orlistat group and the experimental diet group experienced greater improvements than the control group. The experimental diet group showed the largest benefit—a 30.2% reduction in liver fat, compared with a 12.2% reduction in the control group.
These findings suggest that either a high-protein, lower-carbohydrate diet or orlistat may be effective options for reducing liver fat in Asian patients with obesity and MAFLD. However, more research is still needed to confirm these results and to understand the long-term effects of these interventions on liver health.
How to prevent MAFLD
MAFLD can often be prevented or managed through healthy lifestyle habits. Here are some ways to lower your risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight
Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for MAFLD. Losing even 5–10% of body weight can significantly reduce liver fat.
- Eat a balanced diet
A diet low in saturated and trans fats and high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help improve liver health. Reducing sugary drinks, pastries, and highly processed foods also helps lower risk.
- Exercise regularly
Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and reduces body fat. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise (such as brisk walking) on most days of the week.
- Limit alcohol consumption
Although MAFLD occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol, drinking too much alcohol still increases overall liver damage. Men should limit intake to two drinks per day, and women to one drink per day.
- Manage health conditions
Obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol all increase the likelihood of MAFLD. Managing these conditions through lifestyle changes, medication, or both can help prevent or slow progression of liver disease.
It’s important to remember that MAFLD prevention and management may require guidance from a healthcare professional. If you have risk factors or concerns about liver health, speak with your doctor for individualized advice.
The study was conducted by Xiongcai Feng and colleagues and published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
If you care about liver health, please read studies about dairy foods linked to liver cancer, and coffee drinkers may halve their risk of liver cancer.
For more health information, please see recent studies that anti-inflammatory diet could help prevent fatty liver disease, and results showing vitamin D could help prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
