Health
Small trial finds ketogenic diet significantly cuts liver fat and aids prediabetes reversal
A study in Cell Metabolism indicates low-carbohydrate eating reduces liver fat and improves insulin sensitivity more than Mediterranean or low-fat diets over the short term.
The short version
- A randomized trial of 42 adults found a ketogenic diet reduced liver fat by roughly 67% and reversed prediabetes in about half of its participants.
- The ketogenic regimen outperformed Mediterranean and low-fat plant-based diets on liver insulin sensitivity despite all groups achieving similar muscle insulin improvements.
- Health experts and researchers emphasize that the small sample size and short duration leave long-term safety and broader efficacy unconfirmed.
Key facts
- A clinical study published in Cell Metabolism evaluated 42 adults living with obesity, prediabetes, and excess liver fat across three dietary regimens.[Fox News]
- Participants assigned to the ketogenic diet experienced an approximate 67% drop in liver fat, compared to an average 45% decline for those on Mediterranean or low-fat diets.[Fox News]
- Roughly 50% of the ketogenic cohort no longer met prediabetes criteria by trial completion, compared with 29% in the Mediterranean group and 7% in the low-fat group.[Fox News]
- Muscle insulin sensitivity increased by around 50% across all cohorts, while liver insulin sensitivity showed two to three times greater improvement under the ketogenic diet.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- Whether these metabolic advantages persist or remain safe over extended periods is unknown due to the study's brief timeframe and small group sizes of roughly 14 people per arm.[Fox News]
- The cardiovascular implications of sustained ketogenic dieting remain cautioned against by nutritionists due to lower fiber intake and high saturated fat levels.[Fox News]