A recent clinical trial indicates that a ketogenic diet can cut liver fat by up to 67% and help reverse prediabetes in individuals with obesity, highlighting the therapeutic potential of carbohydrate restriction for metabolic conditions.
A clinical trial published in Cell Metabolism has found that a ketogenic diet may cut liver fat sharply and help reverse prediabetes in people with obesity, fat build-up in the liver and elevated blood sugar. The study, led by Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, followed 42 participants who were assigned to one of three diets: keto, Mediterranean or plant-based.
All three groups were given enough calories to lose roughly 10% of body weight over four to five months, allowing the researchers to compare the effects of diet composition rather than weight loss alone. By the end of the trial, everyone had shed body fat and improved insulin sensitivity, which helps the body regulate blood sugar.
But the keto group stood out. According to ScienceDaily’s summary of the findings, people on the very low-carbohydrate, high-fat plan reduced liver fat by 67%, compared with 45% in the other two groups. About half of those on keto no longer met the definition of prediabetes, versus 29% of the Mediterranean group and 7% of the plant-based group.
The researchers also reported that the keto diet produced the largest rise in glucagon, a hormone linked to reduced fat storage in the liver, alongside the steepest drop in circulating insulin. Max Petersen of Washington University said the most surprising result was that participants did not see higher blood fats or cholesterol despite eating the most fat. Samuel Klein, a co-author at the same medical school, said the data suggest that cutting carbohydrate intake can have important therapeutic effects for people with fatty liver disease and prediabetes.
The findings add to a fast-moving debate over the keto diet. Earlier research highlighted by ScienceDaily has warned that long-term ketogenic eating may carry risks, including higher cholesterol and changes in gut bacteria, while other studies have suggested that prediabetes can improve through changes in fat distribution rather than weight loss alone. Taken together, the newer trial suggests that carbohydrate restriction may be particularly powerful for some metabolic conditions, but it is not a universal prescription.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
