The Impact of Weight Loss Programs on BMI Trajectory in Patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Veterans Health Administration Study

Am J Gastroenterol. 2024 Mar 27. doi: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002785. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Background: Weight loss is the mainstay of management for patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. We studied the impact of referral to MOVE!, a nationally-implemented behavioral weight loss program, on weight in MASLD patients.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 102,294 MASLD patients from 125 Veterans Health Administration centers from 2008-2022.

Results: Most patients lost no significant weight or gained weight. Increased engagement with MOVE! was associated with greater hazard of significant weight loss compared to no engagement.

Conclusion: A minority of patients experienced significant weight loss through 5 years using lifestyle interventions alone.