Energy balance
Caloric restriction (25% energy deficit) and caloric restriction combined with structured exercise (12.5% deficit + 12.5% increased expenditure) significantly reduce intrahepatic lipid (IHL) content in healthy overweight adults over 6 months, as measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
To reduce liver fat, you primarily need to eat less. This study shows that a 25% caloric deficit over 6 months significantly reduces liver lipids in overweight individuals. Adding exercise to this deficit does not provide additional benefit for liver fat reduction compared to diet alone. Focus on sustainable caloric restriction rather than trying to 'out-exercise' liver fat accumulation.
With CR, liver lipid content was significantly lowered by CR, CR+EX, and LCD (detected by MRS only).
Why this rating
Randomized controlled trial with multiple arms, objective imaging (MRS), and clear statistical significance, though limited to healthy overweight subjects without known NAFLD.
Source
Effect of 6‐Month Calorie Restriction and Exercise on Serum and Liver Lipids and Markers of Liver Function
D. Enette Larson‐Meyer et al. · Obesity · 2008
DOI 10.1038/oby.2008.201
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