Ozempic for Fatty Liver and NASH

Ozempic is a GLP-1 analog. It is not approved for the treatment of fatty liver disease. However, it is one of the few diabetes and weight loss medicines that may improve liver markers and NASH parameters.

Apart from its role in improving liver parameters, it is one of the most important interventions in alcoholic liver disease and alcohol use disorder.

The only approved medicine for treating fatty liver and NASH is Rezdiffra (Resmetirom). Reddiffra has recently been approved by the FDA for stage F2 and F3 fibrosis.

However, most endocrinologists are hopeful for FDA approval of Ozempic for fatty liver and NASH. The drug will be most beneficial for diabetics and obese individuals.

Fatty Liver Disease Stats and Risks:

NAFLD (Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease) or simply fatty liver, is a rising health issue on a global scale.

It is caused by a limitless accumulation of lipids inside the liver. In some instances, this condition can be a precursor for inflammation and damage which progresses to something called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

The prevalence of fatty liver reached almost 882 million people in 2017 and has only gone further [ref].

Factors linked to such a drastic event include obesity, insulin resistance, and unhealthy lifestyle. While it leads to serious problems like cirrhosis or liver failure there needs to be a savior.

For this, researchers are looking at a drug called ozempic. Let’s get into more details.

Can Ozempic Treat Fatty Liver Disease?

Even though Ozempic is not FDA-approved as a treatment option for fatty liver of NASH, the research on this drug keeps showing promising results.

Improved Liver Markers with Ozempic:

These are the positive outcomes from multiple research that support Ozempic.

• Improve liver function:

Ozempic has been shown to significantly reduce the levels of a liver enzyme (ALT) and a marker for inflammation called hsCRP in people with obesity and T2DM.

This indicates better liver functioning because of semaglutide. [ref]

• Reduce fat storage:

Another study showed a proper decrease in fat accumulation inside the liver of subjects who consumed Ozempic.

• Reduce inflammation:

Research showed that a once-a-week Ozempic injection can reduce risks for NASH by limiting inflammation, which is the key contributor to steatohepatitis. [ref]

• Weight loss connection:

The same study showed that a once-per-week injection of Ozempic is enough to induce weight loss, which can improve fatty liver disease.

How Do You Treat Fatty Liver Disease?

The most important treatment for fatty liver is adopting a healthy lifestyle.

While the researchers are investigating the potential of Ozempic as a treatment for NAFLD, there are some lifestyle modifications you can try to manage fatty liver disease.

Healthy Diet for Fatty Liver Disease:

• Focus on healthy eating patterns:

There are two well-known options for fatty liver disease: the DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet.

Both these plans consist of food choices like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and fat-less meat sources.

These dietary techniques help you achieve a healthy weight and reduce inflammation.

• Mindful eating and portion control:

Another vital step is to carefully eat your food and pay attention to the portion sizes. Be mindful of both hunger and satiety clues that your body sends.

This way you can eat only as much as your body requires and not more. Consult a dietitian for customized help based on your liver condition.

Exercise for fatty liver disease:

• Regular physical activity:

This is a crucial part of managing any sort of medical condition. You should fit 150 minutes worth of moderate exercise routines into your schedule or just 75 minutes of strength training. Even brisk walks or jogging can help increase fat loss.

Weight Loss

• Sustainable weight management:

Even if you lose around 5 to 10% of your weight, your liver condition can significantly improve.

However, you must focus on traditional and sustainable eating habits and exercises rather than crash or fad diets.

Managing co-existing conditions

• Diabetes control:

As already known, in T2DM the insulin ceases to function properly which leads to fat storage.

This is due to the free-floating glucose in the blood, which is transferred to the liver and stored as lipids, which eventually causes fatty liver disease.

So, maintenance of appropriate sugar levels in the bloodstream is the best way to avoid NAFLD. Both meds and lifestyle changes can play a bigger role in your diabetes care.

• Doctor consultation:

If you have been diagnosed with either diabetes or NAFLD consider consulting a professional nutritionist to get custom plans and treatment care for yourself. They might be able to address any underlying condition as well.

Safety considerations

While taking any sort of medicinal drug, safety is the most crucial thing for you. Even though ozempic is effective, it can still cause some problems.

If you are taking semaglutide then conditions like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach ache must be expected.

Nevertheless, these side effects are relatively mild and typically go away as your body adapts to the new med.

Also, keep in mind that Ozempic carries a boxed warning for possible risk of thyroid cancer.

Make sure you discuss all your concerns with your family doctor and get rid of any confusion or misconceptions you might have.

Conclusion

In summary, ozempic shows promise as a potential treatment for fatty liver (NAFLD) and NASH.

studies have suggested that it can enhance liver health by reducing fat content and inflammation.

However, it should be remembered that Ozempic is not FDA-approved for treating both NAFLD and NASH.

If you are worried about fatty liver disease and are looking for possible treatment options, the best thing would be to consult a doctor.

Only a professional can help you determine the best course of action for your condition.