Impact of diet intervention on visceral adipose tissue and hepatic fat in patients with obesity or type 2 diabetes: a randomized trial

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effects of a diet intervention on visceral and hepatic fat in patients with obesity or type 2 diabetes (T2D). Participants with obesity or T2D were randomized to a diet intervention or their usual diet. The intervention comprised a “3G rice” regimen combined with a low-salt, high-fiber diet. The primary outcomes were changes in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area and hepatic fat over 12 weeks assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. Eighty-six patients were randomized. Their mean age was 47.5 ± 11.0 years, and 82.3% were female. Eighty-one (94.2%) had obesity, and 16 (18.6%) had T2D. Baseline metrics were body weight 76.3 ± 16.1 kg, BMI 29.6 ± 4.6, VAT 12 629 ± 5819 mm2, and hepatic fat 7.9% ± 7.2%. At the 12-week follow-up, the diet group had greater VAT and hepatic fat reductions than controls (− 1468 ± 1468 vs. − 179 ± 1576 mm2, P = 0.001; and − 2.6% ± 3.4% vs. 0.4% ± 2.2%, P < 0.001). Adjusted differences remained significant for VAT (− 1093 mm2, P < 0.001) and hepatic fat (− 2.5%, P < 0.001). In conclusion, the 12-week diet intervention decreased VAT, hepatic fat, body weight, and BMI compared to a usual diet.