Lifestyle Intervention Framework for Obese Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease – a Tool for Health Professionals in Resource Constraint Settings

Abstract

Purpose Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is recognized as a health care burden worldwide. Lifestyle modification remains the first line of treatment. However, the real challenge is ensuring the patient's adherence to lifestyle modification measures, especially in hospitals with resource-limited settings. Methods We developed a six-month-long, dietitian-led, hospital-based, lifestyle intervention framework for obese NAFLD patients and evaluated its content. Literature review, interviews, and discussions with 10 health experts (general physicians, dietitians/nutritionists, gastroenterologists, and a clinical psychologist) and 45 NAFLD patients (35 in Phase I and 10 in Phase II) in a tertiary hospital of India were carried out. Results The lifestyle intervention framework has unique features, such as an intensive nature to ensure adherence, a comprehensive educational format with clear guidelines, the customization of a prescription as per individual patient requirements, and a holistic approach to inculcate self-monitoring and behavioral change in NAFLD patients. Conclusion Health professionals worldwide can use this lifestyle intervention framework to develop counseling interventions for better adherence among obese NAFLD patients.