Better liver biopsy results
- Published in
- Hepatology 2010
- People studied
- 31
In a small trial of 31 people with fatty-liver inflammation, 72% in a lifestyle programme improved on biopsy, against 30% in the comparison group.
- Checked against
- PubMed 19827166
- Published in
- Hepatology 2010
- Last checked
- 30 October 2026
Key takeaway
In this small randomised trial, 31 people with overweight or obesity and fatty-liver inflammation had either an intensive diet, exercise and behaviour programme or structured education for 48 weeks. The programme group lost about 9% of their weight on average, and 72% improved clearly on liver biopsy, against 30% in the education group. People who reached a 7% weight loss improved most.
At a glance
- Type of study
- small randomised trial
- People studied
- 31
- How long
- 48 weeks
- Compared with
- a structured education group
- Main result
- 72% improved on liver biopsy, against 30% with education alone.
- Strength of evidence
- Small or uncontrolled studies
What this study does not show
Only 31 people took part, so the result is uncertain. It shows changes on a biopsy over 48 weeks, not fewer liver illnesses later on.
Results from studies in groups of people, mostly in diet and movement programmes. They cannot be promised to any one person. This information is educational and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.
More on liver
- Less liver inflammationSmall or uncontrolled studies · Vilar-Gomez et al., Gastroenterology 2015
- Better liver biopsy resultsSmall or uncontrolled studies · Promrat et al., Hepatology 2010
- Less liver fatSmall or uncontrolled studies · Lazo et al., Diabetes Care 2010
- Remission of fatty liverRandomised trials · Wong et al., J Hepatol 2013
- Fatty liver can go awayLong-term or observational studies · Zelber-Sagi et al., J Hepatol 2012
- Less liver fat with exerciseRandomised trials · Katsagoni et al., Metabolism 2017
- Lower liver stiffness with dietLong-term or observational studies · Haigh et al., Clin Nutr 2022
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