Cognitive-behavioral treatment of nonalcoholic Fatty liver disease: a propensity score-adjusted observational study.
The effectiveness of cognitive-behavior treatment (CBT) in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), largely related to overweight/obesity and considered the hepatic expression of the metabolic syndrome (MS), has so far been tested in very limited samples. In a tertiary referral center, consecutively observed NAFLD subjects were offered a CBT program aimed at weight loss and increased physical activity, based on 13 group sessions; 68 cases entered the treatment protocol, those who refused (n = 82) were given recommendations for diet and physical activity. Treatment goals (weight loss ≥7% initial body weight, normalization of liver enzymes, and improved parameters of MS) were tested by logistic regression at 6 months (all cases) and at 2 years, both on intention-to-treat and in completers (Diet, 78; CBT, 65). The results were adjusted for the propensity score of attending the CBT program, based on civil, anthropometric and clinical variables. At baseline the CBT group had a larger prevalence of obesity and more severe insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)). At follow-up, CBT was associated with a higher probability of weight loss and normal liver enzymes (6-month: odds ratio (OR), 2.56; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15-5.69; 2-year intention-to-treat: OR, 3.57, 95% CI, 1.59-8.00), after adjustment for propensity and changes in body weight. A similar trend was observed in the outcome goals of insulin resistance and the score of MS, which were both reduced. In conclusion, subjects with NAFLD participating in a CBT program significantly improve their general and liver parameters. The beneficial effects are largely maintained at 2-year follow-up, in keeping with the lifestyle-related pathogenesis of disease.
Department of Clinical Medicine, Unit of Metabolic Diseases & Clinical Dietetics, Alma Mater Studiorum University, Bologna, Italy.
Simona
S
Moscatiello
Raffaella
R
Di Luzio
Elisabetta
E
Bugianesi
Alessandro
A
Suppini
Ingrid J
IJ
Hickman
Silvia
S
Di Domizio
Riccardo
R
Dalle Grave
Giulio
G
Marchesini
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005234:Fatty Liver / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D057194:Intention to Treat Analysis; D008019:Life Style; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D065626:Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy; D057216:Propensity Score; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss
D007328:Insulin