Exercise Versus Diet in the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Exercise Versus Diet in the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The central hypothesis of this proposal is that a reduction in hepatic mitochondrial function is the main pathophysiology behind NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease) and NASH (Non alcoholic steatohepatitis). The investigators further hypothesize that lifestyle modifications through aerobic exercise training without weight loss or diet-induced weight loss are effective in reducing NAFLD parameters by improving hepatic mitochondrial content and function in human subjects.

The investigators propose a randomized, controlled human clinical trial to compare the effects of aerobic exercise training (without weight loss) versus diet-induced weight loss (without exercise) in individuals who have NAFLD or liver biopsy-confirmed NASH

Fatty Liver Disease) and NASH (Non alcoholic steatohepatitis). The investigators further hypothesize that lifestyle modifications through aerobic exercise training without weight loss or diet-induced weight loss are effective in reducing NAFLD parameters by improving hepatic mitochondrial content and function in human subjects.

The investigators propose a randomized, controlled human clinical trial to compare the effects of aerobic exercise training (without weight loss) versus diet-induced weight loss (without exercise) in individuals who have NAFLD or liver biopsy-confirmed NASH

Inclusion Criteria:

• sedentary individual between
• age group 18-60 years old
• elevated Liver Function Tests (LFT's) with fatty liver on ultrasound and biopsy proven NASH

Exclusion Criteria:

• significant history of alcohol consumption > 20 gm/day (> 2 drinks / day)
• evidence of other causes of hepatitis including positive screening B & C, autoimmune hepatitis, hemochromatosis, celiac disease, Wilson's disease, alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency or medication-induced hepatitis
• Subjects with planned exercise > 30-60 minutes per week
• BMI < 25 or > 44 kg/m2
• clinical or biochemical evidence of decompensated liver disease, advanced cardiac or renal disease
• changes in last 3 months the dose of oral hypoglycemic medication and statin,
• positive stress test
• pregnant women
• demented individuals who cannot give consent