Do lifestyle changes lower the risk of mortality in NAFLD patients?

Adopting a healthy lifestyle drastically lowers all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risks in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, with notable benefits observed in women and those who are obese.

This study explored the effects of different healthy lifestyle factors on mortality risk among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), utilizing the principles of "lifestyle medicine."

Researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, comparing 5,542 NAFLD patients with 5,542 matched participants who didn't have this condition. They assessed lifestyle factors including diet, physical activity, sleep, smoking status, and psychological well-being using a baseline questionnaire. The mortality risks were assessed via the Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan–Meier survival curves.

Over a median follow-up of 6.5 years, NAFLD patients recorded 502 deaths, including 181 from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Compared to those with unfavourable lifestyles (scoring of 0–1), the NAFLD patients with favourable lifestyles (scoring of 4–5) had a 56% lower risk of all-cause mortality and a 66% lower risk of CVD mortality. Paying attention to the mental well-being and committing to regular, intense workouts proved to be especially powerful in reducing the risk of mortality associated with CV-disease. Healthy sleep also contributed to a 31% reduction in early mortality due to CVD.

Embracing a healthy lifestyle, especially focusing on mental well-being and sleep, considerably reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risks in NAFLD patients. Patients with NAFLD require targeted combinations of healthy lifestyle practices to lower their mortality risk, particularly in women and obese individuals.