Intermittent Fasting for Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial is studying if time-restricted, intermittent fasting can help reduce liver fat in adults who are not obese. The idea is that fasting will make the body burn fat for energy instead of sugar, which might help decrease liver fat. Intermittent fasting has shown favorable effects on body weight and relevant indicators of liver health in several reports.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot have used any pharmacological treatments for NAFLD/NASH in the past 6 months, except for vitamin E. If you're on a stable dose of vitamin E, you can still join the study.
Is intermittent fasting safe for humans?
Intermittent fasting, including alternate-day fasting and time-restricted eating, has been studied in humans and is generally considered safe, showing benefits like weight management and improved liver enzymes. However, long-term safety data is still needed, so it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any fasting regimen.12345
How is intermittent fasting different from other treatments for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?
Intermittent fasting, such as alternate-day fasting or time-restricted eating, is unique because it focuses on meal timing rather than specific foods or medications, offering a non-drug approach to reduce liver fat and improve metabolic health. Unlike standard treatments that may involve medication or continuous calorie restriction, intermittent fasting allows for periods of normal eating, which can be easier to maintain and has shown promising results in reducing liver fat and improving lipid profiles.12456
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Intermittent Fasting for Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?
Research shows that intermittent fasting, including alternate-day fasting, can help reduce liver fat and improve liver health in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Studies found that combining alternate-day fasting with exercise significantly reduced liver fat compared to exercise alone or no intervention.12457
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults with non-obese NAFLD (BMI between 23-30), confirmed by a recent liver assessment, who are not heavy drinkers, without other chronic liver diseases or severe illnesses. Participants must not be on weight loss treatments or have unstable body weight and should not be pregnant or trying to conceive.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants follow a time-restricted, intermittent fasting diet for 6 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Intermittent Fasting
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead Sponsor