A recent study published in Clinical Gastroenterology & Hepatology has revealed that screening for liver fibrosis can lead to significant improvements in lifestyle habits, including reduced calorie and alcohol consumption, as well as increased exercise in individuals at risk for liver disease. These positive changes were not only reported six months after the initial scan but were also maintained for up to two years.
Liver fibrosis, which can result from chronic hepatitis B or C, fatty liver disease, or heavy alcohol consumption, can progress to more severe conditions such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is often linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic issues. With the recent approval of Rezdiffra (resmetirom), the first medical therapy for MASLD, lifestyle modifications have been the primary approach to managing the condition.
Dr. Maria Kjaergaard and her team at Odense University Hospital in Denmark conducted a screening trial for individuals at risk for MASLD or alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). Following the screening using transient elastography (FibroScan), all participants received guidance on adopting healthier lifestyle choices.
The study included 2,946 individuals at risk for MASLD and 1,850 at risk for ALD, with an average age of 58 years and an equal distribution of men and women. Of these participants, 383 (8%) tested positive for liver fibrosis, with slightly higher rates in the ALD group compared to the MASLD group. The researchers collected data on self-reported changes in diet, alcohol consumption, exercise, and weight through electronic questionnaires at one week and six months post-screening, with a subset undergoing reassessment after two years.
Among those at risk for MASLD, there was a notable improvement in dietary habits, with 26% reporting a better diet or reduced calorie intake one week after screening, increasing to 35% at the six-month mark. Additionally, 12% increased their exercise levels at one week, rising to 22% at six months. Furthermore, 13% of individuals had lost at least 5% of their baseline body weight six months after the fibrosis diagnosis.
For individuals at risk for ALD, the study found a significant decrease in alcohol consumption from 46% at baseline to 32% at six months post-screening. High-risk drinkers who tested positive for fibrosis were more likely to reduce their alcohol intake or abstain completely after six months. In a smaller subgroup followed for two years, overconsumption of alcohol decreased from 52% to 41%, with a positive fibrosis test remaining a predictor of reduced drinking or abstinence.
The researchers concluded that screening for liver fibrosis can lead to sustained improvements in alcohol consumption, diet, weight, and exercise in individuals at risk for ALD and MASLD. They emphasized the importance of early detection and motivation for lifestyle changes through screening programs, which could serve as both preventive measures and part of the treatment for liver diseases.
This study highlights the potential benefits of early screening for liver fibrosis in promoting healthier lifestyle choices and reducing the risk of liver disease progression. As more research is conducted in this area, it is essential for individuals at risk to undergo regular screenings and make positive changes to their habits to protect their liver health.