Physical activity support or weight loss counseling for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?

Aim: To determine the clinical effectiveness of intense psychological support to physical activity (PA) in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), compared with cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT).

Methods: Twenty-two NAFLD cases received support to exercise, tailored to their motivational needs (PA group). The effects on body weight, physical fitness [6-min walk test, VO2max and the PA-rating (PA-R) questionnaire] and body fat (fatty liver indices and visceral adiposity index) were compared with data obtained in 44 NAFLD subjects enrolled in a CBT program for weight loss, after adjustment for propensity score, calculated on baseline data.

The role of lifestyle change in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

Healthy habits in terms of food intake and physical activity are first-line approach to prevention and treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, but difficulties arise in turning attempts into practice. Independently of the specific role of individual nutrients, not universally proven, overweight, obesity and diabetes are the specific conditions most frequently associated with hepatic fat accumulation. Accordingly, weight loss is mandatory in the majority of patients; this can be achieved by dietary restriction, but is rarely maintained in the long-term.

Validation of a novel, objective measure of occupational sitting.

Objective: To test the validity of a sitting pad (SP) to measure desk based sitting time and transitions, against camera derived direct observation; and to compare the data with those from inclinometers in the ActivPAL(3) (AP) and ActiGraph GT3X+ (AG).

Methods: Australian employees (n=13; 9 women; mean age 30 ± 6.5 years) were provided with a SP, AG and AP in 2011.

Does the use of standing 'hot' desks change sedentary work time in an open plan office?

Objective: This study assessed the use of standing 'hot' desks in an open plan office and their impact on sedentary work time.

Method: Australian employees (n=11; 46.9 [9.

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).

Behavior therapy for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: The need for a multidisciplinary approach.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is systematically associated with insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome, where behavior therapy remains the primary treatment, simultaneously addressing all the clinical and biochemical defects. However, very few studies have tested the effectiveness of intensive behavior therapy in NAFLD, aimed at lifestyle modifications to produce stable weight loss by reduced calorie intake and increased physical activity. Searching the literature for studies testing weight loss and lifestyle modifications for the treatment of NAFLD, only 14 reports were traced where the entry assessment satisfied well-defined criteria.