Remission of fatty liver
- Published in
- J Hepatol 2013
- People studied
- 154
In a trial of 154 adults, 64% in a lifestyle programme had their fatty liver in remission after a year, against 20% with usual care.
- Checked against
- PubMed 23623998
- Published in
- J Hepatol 2013
- Last checked
- 30 October 2026
Key takeaway
In this randomised trial in Hong Kong, 154 adults with fatty liver found through screening had a dietitian-led lifestyle programme or usual care for a year. Fatty liver went into remission in 64% of the programme group, against 20% with usual care. The programme group lost about 5.6 kg on average, and 41% of people who lost only 3 to 4.9% of their weight also reached remission.
At a glance
- Type of study
- randomised trial
- People studied
- 154
- How long
- 12 months
- Compared with
- usual care
- Main result
- 64% in remission after a year, against 20% with usual care.
- Strength of evidence
- Randomised trials
What this study does not show
Remission here means liver fat under 5% on a scan, not fewer liver illnesses later on. The trial ran in one city in Asia, and lasted one year.
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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