Intensive Lifestyle Management Improves Steatosis and Fibrosis in Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background and aimsChildhood obesity, with associated comorbidities such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a growing global health problem.Although lifestyle management is the mainstay of treatment, its efficacy on liver fibrosis has not yet been established. MethodsChildren and adolescents admitted for severe obesity at a tertiary center (Zeepreventorium De Haan, Belgium) were enrolled in this prospective study.Intensive lifestyle therapy encompassed caloric restriction, physical activity, education on a healthy lifestyle and Conclusion NAFLD and associated fibrosis are highly prevalent in children and adolescents with severe obesity.An intensive multidisciplinary lifestyle management program which causes significant weight loss not only improves liver steatosis, but also fibrosis.