Chinese researchers studied 220 adults with fatty liver disease for 6 months. Half followed a vegetarian diet that included eggs and dairy, while the other half ate a regular diet with meat. The vegetarian group lost more weight, belly fat, and showed greater improvement in their fatty liver condition. Women seemed to benefit more than men from the plant-based approach. Both groups worked with nutritionists to ensure they ate healthy, balanced meals throughout the study.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a vegetarian diet (with eggs and dairy allowed) works better than a regular meat-eating diet for treating fatty liver disease
  • Who participated: 220 Chinese adults with fatty liver disease, average age 40, who were overweight with an average BMI of 28.4
  • Key finding: The vegetarian group lost 1.4 kg more weight and had twice the success rate for improving their fatty liver condition compared to the meat-eating group
  • What it means for you: If you have fatty liver disease, switching to a vegetarian diet that includes eggs and dairy might help you lose weight and improve your liver health more than just eating a healthy regular diet

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is considered the gold standard for testing whether treatments work. The researchers randomly split 220 people with fatty liver disease into two groups. One group followed a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet (no meat or fish, but eggs and dairy were allowed) while the other group ate a regular omnivore diet that included meat. Both groups worked with professional dietitians who created meal plans specifically for them. The study lasted 6 months, and 186 people completed it (84.5% finished the study). The researchers measured weight, body fat, and liver health using medical equipment and ultrasound scans.

Having a control group that also received professional dietary guidance was important because it meant any differences between groups were likely due to the vegetarian diet itself, not just getting nutrition counseling. The random assignment helps ensure the results weren’t influenced by other factors that might make one group healthier than the other.

This study had several strengths: it was published in a peer-reviewed journal, used proper randomization, had a good completion rate, and included objective measurements like ultrasound scans rather than relying only on what participants reported. The 6-month duration was long enough to see meaningful changes in liver health.

What the Results Show

The vegetarian group lost significantly more weight than the regular diet group - an average of 1.4 kg more over 6 months. They also lost more body fat (11.94% reduction vs 8.27%) and more dangerous belly fat around their organs (9.76% vs 4.65% reduction). When it came to liver improvement, the vegetarian group had much better success rates. Using ultrasound measurements, 33.3% of vegetarian dieters achieved both significant weight loss (at least 5%) and liver improvement, compared to only 16.1% of the regular diet group. Using another measurement called CAP, 37.6% of vegetarians hit both targets compared to 21.5% of omnivores.

The vegetarian group also showed improvements in heart disease risk factors that the regular diet group didn’t achieve. Their LDL (bad) cholesterol levels dropped, their blood pressure improved, and their overall Framingham risk scores (which predict heart attack risk) got better. Interestingly, women seemed to respond better to the vegetarian diet than men, though the study doesn’t fully explain why this happened.

This study fills an important gap because most research on vegetarian diets for fatty liver disease has been done in Western populations. This is one of the first well-designed studies to test whether these benefits apply to Asian populations, and it suggests they do. The results align with previous research showing plant-based diets can help with weight loss and metabolic health.

The study only lasted 6 months, so we don’t know if people can stick with vegetarian diets long-term or if the benefits continue. It was done only in Chinese adults, so results might not apply to other ethnic groups. The researchers also don’t fully explain why women responded better than men. Additionally, both groups received intensive dietitian support, which might not be available to everyone in real life.

The Bottom Line

If you have fatty liver disease, a vegetarian diet that includes eggs and dairy appears to be more effective than a regular healthy diet for weight loss and liver improvement. However, this works best when combined with professional nutrition guidance. Women may see particularly good results, though men can benefit too.

People diagnosed with fatty liver disease (also called MASLD) who are looking for dietary approaches to improve their condition. This may be especially relevant for women and people of Asian descent, though anyone with fatty liver disease might benefit. People should consult their doctor before making major dietary changes.

The study showed meaningful improvements after 6 months, with some benefits likely appearing earlier. However, this requires consistent adherence to the diet and ideally working with a nutrition professional to ensure the diet is well-balanced and sustainable.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily servings of plant proteins (beans, lentils, tofu), eggs, and dairy products while avoiding all meat and fish. Monitor weekly weight and waist circumference measurements.
  • Gradually replace meat-based meals with vegetarian alternatives that include protein sources like eggs, dairy, legumes, and nuts. Start with one vegetarian day per week and increase over time.
  • Log daily vegetarian meals, track monthly weight loss progress, and monitor energy levels and digestive health. Consider working with a registered dietitian through the app’s professional network for personalized meal planning.

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. People with fatty liver disease should consult their healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes. Individual results may vary, and this study was conducted in a specific population that may not represent all groups.