Low-carb keto plan cuts liver fat by two-thirds and reverses prediabetes in trial
A small randomized trial found that a ketogenic diet reduced liver fat by about 67% and eliminated prediabetes in roughly half of participants, outperforming Mediterranean and low-fat diets.
In a randomized clinical trial published in Cell Metabolism, 42 adults with obesity, prediabetes, and high liver fat were placed on one of three weight-loss diets: a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet, a Mediterranean diet, or a low-fat, mostly plant-based diet. While each group lost a similar amount of weight and improved muscle insulin sensitivity by about 50%, the keto group achieved a 67% reduction in liver fat and a two- to three-fold greater boost in liver insulin sensitivity.
Liver fat reduction was linked to lowered hepatic fat production. By the study’s end, roughly half of the keto participants no longer met prediabetes criteria, versus 29% on the Mediterranean diet and 7% on the low-fat diet. Researchers note the small sample—about 14 per arm—and brief follow-up limit the applicability of the findings. Registered dietitian Ilana Muhlstein highlighted that macronutrient composition, not just calorie deficit, appears to drive these metabolic differences.
Why it matters
The findings suggest a short-term keto approach may markedly improve liver health and prediabetes risk beyond weight loss alone.
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