Orlistat with low carb diet reduces liver fat content in MAFLD patients

Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Published On 2023-02-20 06:15 GMT | Update On 2023-02-20 06:29 GMT

A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that both orlistat and experimental high-protein/lower-carbohydrate diet were effective in reducing liver steatosis in Asian patients with obesity and Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).

Excessive fat accumulates in the liver in MAFLD, leading to inflammation and damage. Losing weight through lifestyle interventions, such as changes in diet and physical activity, is the first-line treatment for MAFLD. However, compliance with such interventions can be low, making it challenging to achieve and maintain weight loss.

The team led by Xiongcai Feng compared the effects of orlistat and an experimental high-protein/lower-carbohydrate diet with a control diet in Asian patients with obesity and MAFLD. A total of 118 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of the three groups for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint of the study was the relative change in liver fat content (LFC), which was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging-based proton density fat fraction with Dixon sequence (MRI-PDFF).

The results showed that all three groups demonstrated improvement in liver steatosis at week 24. However, the orlistat group and the experimental diet group had significantly greater reductions in LFC compared to the control group.

Specifically, the absolute decrease in LFC was 9.1% in the orlistat group and 5.4% in the experimental diet group, both significantly higher than that in the control group.

The relative reduction in LFC was 30.2% in the experimental diet group, which was significantly higher than the 12.2% observed in the control group.

Authors suggest that these interventions could be useful in the management of MAFLD, particularly in populations where compliance with lifestyle interventions may be challenging. However, further research is needed to determine the long-term efficacy and safety of these interventions.

Source:

Feng, X., Lin, Y., Zhuo, S., Zhi, D., Shao, C., Ye, J., & Zhong, B. (2023). Treatment of Obesity and Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease with a Diet or Orlistat: A Randomized Controlled Trial. In The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.02.008

Article Source : The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Jacinthlyn Sylvia

Jacinthlyn Sylvia, a Neuroscience Master's graduate from Chennai has worked extensively in deciphering the neurobiology of cognition and motor control in aging. She also has spread-out exposure to Neurosurgery from her Bachelor’s. She is currently involved in active Neuro-Oncology research. She is an upcoming neuroscientist with a fiery passion for writing. Her news cover at Medical Dialogues feature recent discoveries and updates from the healthcare and biomedical research fields. She can be reached at editorial@medicaldialogues.in

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Orlistat with low carb diet reduces liver fat content in MAFLD patients

Similar News

Daily consumption of grapes improves muscle strength markers in postmenopausal women: Study

Stevia leaf extract has potential as anticancer treatment, researchers find

Heart Healthy Habits May Shield You from Cancer, Dementia, Diabetes and More: Study

Medical Bulletin 19/July/2025

Common Sweeteners Linked to Early Puberty Risk in Children: Study Finds

What Contributes More to Obesity-Poor Diet or Lack of Exercise? Study Sheds Light

Medical Bulletin 18/Jul/2025

Intermittent Fasting Outperforms Other Diets for Diabetes Control: Study Finds