Abstract
Objective: To evaluate possible associations between weight loss and changes in hepatic transaminases in obese patients treated with a very low-calorie diet, comparing possible differences associated to sex and age group.
Method: This retrospective cohort analyzed medical records of 777 patients with severe obesity (grades II or III) treated with a 500–800 kcal/day diet between 2016 and 2022. Bioimpedance and laboratory tests were evaluated after 3 months of in-hospital intervention. The sample included individuals over 12 years old, totaling 1,142 hospitalized patients.
Results: The comparison between admission and discharge measurements revealed significant changes in body composition and in the GGT and ALT concentrations of the study participants. The reduction in body weight and fat mass in obese patients on a very low-calorie diet was directly and weakly associated with a reduction in liver transaminases, suggesting an improvement in liver function.
Conclusions: Hospital treatment for severe obesity was effective in promoting improvements in anthropometric measures after three months. The very low-calorie diet and lifestyle changes also provided evidence of improved liver function in patients, highlighting the importance of holistic management with multidisciplinary supervision.
References
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