Monica A Tincopa, Nik Patel, Areesha Shahab, Haila Asefa, Anna S Lok
Journal: Scientific reports 2024;14(1):7452
PMID: 38548875
The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is on the rise, affecting a significant portion of the global population. Given this increasing prevalence, identifying and implementing effective and scalable therapy is critical to optimise clinical and patient-reported outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile-technology lifestyle program in promoting sustainable lifestyle changes in patients with NAFLD and to identify predictors of lifestyle practice patterns in these patients. This study was randomised controlled trial that compares standard care with a mobile-technology intervention (using a Fitbit-based program) over a period of 6 months. Seventy participants were enrolled for the study with follow-up data available for 31 participants. Results showed a strong relationship between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and physical health. In fact, HRQOL negatively correlated with the level of concern for their disease but positively correlated with physical function. Furthermore, unhealthy dietary patterns were associated with diabetes and younger age, and readiness to change dietary and physical activity habits were closely correlated, indicating that interventions targeted to one behaviour change may also impact both health behaviours. Authors concluded that mobile-technology interventions, particularly those using Fitbit and personalised coaching, show promise in improving lifestyle behaviours and health-related quality of life in NAFLD patients. However, further research is required to validate these findings and focus on the sustainability of the intervention and improvement in outcomes.
Identifying effective, feasible, low-cost interventions that promote sustainable lifestyle changes in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a key unmet need. The aim of this study was to assess predictors of lifestyle practice patterns of NAFLD patients and evaluate the implementation of a mobile technology-based intervention. We prospectively enrolled adults with NAFLD (diagnosed by imaging or biopsy). Individuals with additional liver diseases or decompensated cirrhosis were excluded. Patient were randomized to usual care or a FitBit based program for 6-months. We obtained anthropometrics, labs, vibration controlled transient elastography (VCTE), health-related quality of life (HRQOL), physical activity, diet and motivation to change data. 70 patients were enrolled, 33% with cirrhosis. Median age was 52.1 years, 47% males, 83% white, body mass index 32.3, liver stiffness 7.6 kPa, controlled attenuation parameter 319 db/m, and 50% had diabetes. Baseline HRQOL was 5.4/7 and independently negatively correlated with level of concern about their disease and positively with physical function. Younger age was independently associated with unhealthy diets whereas diabetes was independently associated with unhealthy diets and higher VCTE kPa. 6-month follow-up data available on 31 patients showed trends in improvement in weight. In a cohort of NAFLD patients, we identified independent correlates of lifestyle behaviors and HRQOL. Implementation of interventions that improve physical function may improve HRQOL in NAFLD. Younger patients and those with diabetes appeared to have the greatest need for dietary interventions. Structured mobile technology lifestyle interventions using Fitbit and personalized coaching showed promise but require further validation with a focus on sustainability of intervention and improvement in outcomes.
© 2024. The Author(s).
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