Effects of low fat diet on inflammatory parameters in individuals with obesity/overweight and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A cross-sectional study

Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Apr 12;103(15):e37716. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037716.

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered one of the most important causes of chronic liver disorders in the world. Dietary pattern is a modifiable risk factor that represents the main target for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the impact of low-fat diet on anthropometric measurements, biochemical, and inflammatory parameters in individuals with obesity/overweight and NAFLD. A total of 108 individuals (n = 59 males and n = 49 females) aged between 19 and 65 years participated in the 12-week weight loss program. Dietary treatment plans including low-fat diets were randomly prescribed for each individual. Anthropometric measurements were collected by a trained dietitian at baseline and 12-week follow-up. Blood samples were collected for each individual at baseline and 3rd month for biochemical measurements and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis for tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21), chemerin, and irisin levels in plasma. At the end of the study, body weight, body mass index, body fat % body fat mass (kg) reduced significantly in females and males (P < .05). Moreover, reductions in waist, hip, and neck circumferences were significant in both groups. Changes in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were significant in 3rd month. After 3 months, reductions in TNF-α, IL-6, and FGF-21 levels were significant in individuals with obesity/overweight and NAFLD. While no significant change in chemerin and irisin levels was found. These results show that low-fat diet over a 12-week period led to improvements in both anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters in individuals with obesity/overweight and NAFLD.

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diet, Fat-Restricted
  • Female
  • Fibronectins
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Interleukin-6
  • Male
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease*
  • Obesity / complications
  • Overweight* / complications
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Substances

  • Fibronectins
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Interleukin-6