Dietary intervention as a therapeutic tool in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A case-based approach

Introduction: Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver disease (NAFLD) is a spectrum of liver disorders which is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver that ranges from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and NASH may develop up to hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD is the most common liver disease in the world. Since NAFLD is associated with many risk factors including obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and diabetes, weight loss and dietary management are proven supportive therapies in NAFLD management. Therefore this study aimed Case: A 35-year-old obese male garment industry worker presented with left abdominal pain, frothy urine, and fatigue. Clinical and dietary assessments revealed central adiposity, sedentary lifestyle, and high intake of refined carbohydrates and saturated fats with minimal fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Biochemical findings indicated dyslipidemia (TG: 154 mg/dL, HDL: 34 mg/dL, LDL: 134 mg/dL), elevated ALT (58 U/L), and grade II fatty liver on imaging. A calorie-restricted, macronutrient-balanced diet (1500 kcal/day: 50% carbs, 30% fat, 20% protein) with nutrition counseling was initiated to promote weight loss and improve liver and lipid profiles. After 2 months, the patient showed significant improvements: weight reduced from 95.1 kg to 91.8 kg, BMI from 30.2 to 29.1 kg/m², and waist circumference from 103 cm to 99 cm. Biochemical parameters improved with ALT decreasing to 39 U/L, HDL increasing to 41 mg/dL, and LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides all moving closer to recommended levels. These outcomes demonstrate that personalized dietary interventions can effectively reduce hepatic steatosis and correct lipid abnormalities, highlighting the importance of early nutrition management in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Conclusion: The study concludes that individualized dietary interventions, including weight reduction and evidence-based dietary modifications—such as adequate hydration, replacement of low-quality nutrient sources with nutrient-dense alternatives, and adherence to a balanced diet—are effective in the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as evidenced by improvements in liver enzyme levels and overall lipid profile.