Dietary Approaches for Management of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Clinician’s Guide

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia. There is strong clinical evidence that reduction in at least 5–7% total body weight is associated with improvement in hepatic steatosis and regression of fibrosis, with weight loss representing the primary approach to treatment. This guide reviews recent data on dietary approaches studied in NAFLD management. The strongest evidence currently supports a hypocaloric diet to induce weight loss and subsequent improvement in liver enzymes and histology, as well as a Mediterranean diet, which can lead to improvement in steatosis even in the absence of weight reduction. The purpose of this paper is to provide clinicians with tools to engage patients in conversations about nutrition in the setting of NAFLD, ultimately guiding suitable personalized dietary recommendations.