title: The role of lifestyle changes in the management of chronic liver disease.
abstract: The prevalence of obesity worldwide has dramatically increased during the last three decades. With obesity comes a variety of adverse health outcomes which are grouped under the umbrella of metabolic syndrome. The liver in particular seems to be significantly impacted by fat deposition in the presence of obesity. In this article we discuss several liver conditions which are directly affected by overweight and obese status, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic infection with hepatitis C virus and post-liver transplant status. The deleterious effects of obesity on liver disease and overall health can be significantly impacted by a culture that fosters sustained nutritional improvement and regular physical activity. Here we summarize the current evidence supporting non-pharmacological, lifestyle interventions that lead to weight reduction, improved physical activity and better nutrition as part of the management and treatment of these liver conditions.
authors.affiliation: Metabolic and Autoimmunity Liver Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital and Research Institute, S, Onofrio Square, 4, 00165 Rome, Italy. nobili66@yahoo.it
authors.forename: Valerio
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Nobili
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Carter-Kent
authors.forename: Ariel E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Feldstein
mesh_terms: D004032:Diet / Q000379:methods; D058625:End Stage Liver Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D015444:Exercise; D005234:Fatty Liver / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D065626:Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy