Healthy weight loss is known to have many benefits for people aside from just appearance. As such, a new study suggests that rapid weight loss could even help prevent potential liver cirrhosis.
Risks of Liver Disease
According to Science Alert, a significant number of people suffer from another form of fatty liver disease. This advanced form of liver disease is reportedly called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, or Nash.
The report also details how 2% of worldwide adults suffer from this disease, which happens when fat builds up in the liver. As such, the liver would then be inflamed and scarred.
Should the condition not be treated properly, this could lead to potential liver cirrhosis. While already problematic, it could also open the individual to other more critical health conditions.
Liver cirrhosis was also described to increase the risk of heart disease.
Science Alert reports that so far, there hasn't been any treatment for Nash aside from "mainstay treatment," which is often recommended in the form of weight loss. However, studies show moderate weight loss won't significantly reduce liver fat enough to change its condition.
Why Rapid Weight Loss Works
A Wiley Online Library report highlights the benefit of rapid weight loss treatment. As such, certain diet methods pertaining to rapid weight loss could reduce Nash severity.
The study started with 16 obese participants that had Nash and liver scarring. The conditions of their livers regarding scarring were classified as moderate to advanced.
The participants entered a 12-week program where their regular meals were substituted with soups, shakes, and bars. Daily, they only consumed about 880 calories.
However, it was ensured that each participant still received essential vitamins and minerals despite the extreme diet. Once the 12-week period was over, the participants spent another 12 weeks gradually re-introducing healthy food.
Science Alerts reports that the 24-week study examined their liver inflammation and scarring and found significant improvements. Out of the 16 participants, fourteen were able to complete the study.
Modern Dieting as Nash Treatment
The study revealed how rapid weight loss was safe for participants, although it wasn't previously recommended as a treatment for Nash. As such, despite potential weight regain, participants could reverse their liver disease trajectory if they maintained most of their weight losses.
The National Library of Medicine reports that heart disease is the most common cause of death for people with Nash. The study suggested that the program could help reduce the risk of Nash developing into more critical liver complications.
Science Alerts cautions that due to the small size of the research, further tests are required with a larger participant pool and control group. While the small test saw positive results in individuals with Nash and how it could potentially reverse the trajectory, further tests need to be conducted to determine whether it would also work for more advanced liver problems, like liver cirrhosis.
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