Fatty liver can go away
- Published in
- J Hepatol 2012
- People studied
- 213
In 66 adults with fatty liver followed for 7 years, about 1 in 3 no longer had it, and 3 in 4 of those who lost 5% or more.
- Checked against
- PubMed 22245895
- Published in
- J Hepatol 2012
- Last checked
- 30 October 2026
Key takeaway
This study scanned the livers of 213 adults from the general population in Israel, then again 7 years later. Of the 66 who had a fatty liver at the start, about a third (36%) no longer had one at the end, and modest weight loss went with remission. Among those who lost 5% or more of their weight, 75% were in remission.
At a glance
- Type of study
- 7-year follow-up of adults from the general population
- People studied
- 213
- How long
- 7 years
- Main result
- 75% of people who lost 5% or more of their weight no longer had a fatty liver.
- Strength of evidence
- Long-term or observational studies
What this study does not show
An observational study, so it shows an association, not proof that weight loss caused the change. Only 66 people had a fatty liver at the start, and the liver was checked by ultrasound.
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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