In South Korea, approximately 30% of adults suffer from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition where fat accumulates in the liver. It is closely associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes.
As NAFLD progresses, it can lead to liver-related complications including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Moreover, there is an increased risk of death from cardiovascular diseases.
Recently, a domestic research team found that “intermittent fasting” is effective in treating NAFLD. A study conducted by Professor Lee Han-ah and her team at the Internal Medicine Department of Chung-Ang University Hospital analyzed the impact of intermittent calorie restriction on non-diabetic patients with NAFLD. The patients were divided into two groups and the effects of intermittent calorie restriction and a standard diet were compared over a 12-week period.
The results showed that the group following the 5:2 intermittent calorie restriction method (consuming 2000-2500 kcal for five days and 500-600 kcal for two days each week) had a higher percentage of patients with a more than 30% reduction in liver fat compared to the group on a standard diet (80% of the recommended daily calorie intake, 1200-1800 kcal per day)(72.2% vs. 44.4%).
Notably, the intermittent calorie restriction diet was more effective in individuals with obesity as compared to those without, and it also proved effective for weight loss (relative weight loss percentage of 5.5% vs. 2.9%).
Thus, the research team confirmed that intermittent calorie restriction (5:2 diet) could be an effective treatment for obese patients with NAFLD.
Professor Lee Han-ah emphasized, “For obese individuals, practicing intermittent calorie restriction twice a week is effective for reducing liver fat and losing weight. I recommend considering this non-pharmaceutical treatment method actively. NAFLD is common, but it can lead to hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer if left untreated, so early dietary management for prevention is necessary.”
The research conducted by Professor Lee Han-ah and her team at Chung-Ang University Hospital was published in the latest issue of Clinical Gastroenterology & Hepatology, an SCIE-ranked international journal (IF 11.6, Ranking 9/143 among Gastroenterology/Hepatology journals).