A new clinical study has found that a ketogenic diet may offer additional benefits for liver health by reducing liver fat more effectively than Mediterranean and low-fat diets, even when participants lose a similar amount of weight.
The research, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, compared three popular weight-loss diets among 42 adults with obesity, prediabetes and excess fat in their livers.
Researchers found that participants following all three diets lost approximately 10% of their body weight over four to five months. However, those following the ketogenic diet experienced a significantly greater reduction in liver fat.
Keto Diet Reduces Liver Fat by 67%
According to the findings, liver fat decreased by an average of 67% among participants following the ketogenic diet.
In comparison, participants on the Mediterranean diet and low-fat, plant-forward diet experienced reductions of approximately 45% each.
The results suggest that the amount of carbohydrates and fats in a diet may influence liver metabolism beyond the benefits achieved through weight loss alone.
Improved Insulin Sensitivity and Blood Sugar Control
Researchers also observed greater improvements in liver insulin sensitivity among participants following the ketogenic diet.
The improvement was approximately two to three times greater than that recorded in the other diet groups.
The ketogenic group also experienced a 20% reduction in average 24-hour blood glucose levels, compared with an 8% reduction in the other two groups.
Furthermore, approximately 50% of participants following the keto diet no longer met the criteria for prediabetes after the intervention. This compared with 29% in the Mediterranean group and 7% in the low-fat group.
How the Ketogenic Diet Affects the Liver
A ketogenic diet significantly restricts carbohydrates while increasing fat intake, encouraging the body to use fat as its primary energy source.
Researchers believe that lower carbohydrate intake and reduced insulin levels may help decrease fat production in the liver and improve certain aspects of liver metabolism.
However, the findings do not mean that every person with fatty liver disease should switch to a ketogenic diet.
Experts Urge Caution Over Study Findings
Although the results are promising, experts have highlighted limitations that should be considered before drawing broader conclusions.
The trial involved only 42 participants and lasted approximately four to five months. Researchers also provided all meals and regular dietary support to participants, conditions that may be difficult to replicate in everyday life.
A ketogenic diet can also be restrictive and may involve high saturated-fat intake, making professional dietary guidance important.
The study therefore highlights the potential benefits of carbohydrate restriction for selected people with obesity and fatty liver, while further research is needed to understand its long-term effects and safety.
