Association of Weight Loss Interventions With Changes in Biomarkers of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

Background: The association between weight loss interventions and changes in biomarkers of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has garnered significant attention in recent years, as evidenced by a growing body of literature exploring various aspects of lifestyle modifications and their impact on liver health. Literature Review: The systematic reviews and meta-analyses included in the review highlight the effectiveness of both dietary and exercise interventions. Notably, the Mediterranean diet has been identified as particularly beneficial for improving metabolic outcomes and liver health (Della Pepa et al., 2017). Furthermore, exercise interventions can yield significant improvements in clinical parameters related to NAFLD, even in the absence of weight loss (Farizah Babu et al., 2021). This finding suggests that physical activity is a critical component of NAFLD management, supporting recommendations for at least 150–200 minutes of moderate exercise weekly (Fernández et al., 2022). In addition to lifestyle modifications, pharmacological interventions, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, have shown promise in reducing liver fat and improving serum markers of liver injury (S. Pan & L. Stanley, 2020). However, the literature indicates that lifestyle changes often demonstrate superior efficacy compared to pharmacological treatments, emphasizing the need for high-quality randomized controlled trials to better understand the comparative effectiveness of these approaches (Nassir, 2022). Conclusion: Overall, the evidence suggests that a multifaceted approach, incorporating both dietary strategies and increased physical activity, is essential for the effective management of NAFLD. The reviewed literature provides a robust framework for future research and clinical practice, highlighting the importance of personalized interventions tailored to individual patient needs and preferences to optimize liver health outcomes.