Key to treating the fatty liver disease is making healthy lifestyle choices to promote weight loss. Support is available from your nurse or doctor, the nutrition guidance arranged by your healthcare provider, weight control groups or online weight-loss training.
In the case of obesity, the recommendation is to lose 10 percent of weight within one year. Even a 5 percent weight loss reduces the fatty build-up, and losing more weight can correct inflammation-induced mutations.
A suitable diet is in line with the general nutritional recommendations applicable to diabetes:
Pay special attention to the quality of fat and favor mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Choose fiber-rich sources of carbohydrates such as whole grains, vegetables, berries, and fruits.
Try to avoid added sugar, fructose, and rapidly sugaring carbohydrates.
Aim to limit alcohol consumption, as both low daily alcohol intake and drinking large quantities a few times a month can be harmful to a fatty liver.
Exercise reduces the build-up of fat in the liver, even if it doesn’t lead to weight loss. Both endurance training and strength training are beneficial.
In addition to alcohol, contributing factors to avoid include some pharmaceutical products and smoking.
If lifestyle changes are not enough to remedy severe obesity, a very low energy diet (VLED), obesity drug therapy or weight loss surgery are considered.
At present, there is no medication specifically approved for the treatment of fatty liver disease. However, currently available medications for obesity and type 2 diabetes can support weight loss and improve liver fat accumulation as well as overall metabolic health. In people with type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease is taken into account when selecting pharmacological treatment, and some diabetes medications may also support the management of fatty liver disease. In addition, in certain situations, weight‑loss medications may be considered for the treatment of fatty liver disease in individuals without diabetes, based on an individual assessment and overall clinical situation.