Is weight loss surgery an effective treatment for NASH?

    Last Updated: October 13, 2024

    Although weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) can be beneficial in reducing liver fat and damage, and in decreasing the risk of further health complications, it is typically not recommended as a standalone treatment for NASH. Instead, it may be indicated in individuals with NASH with moderate to severe (Class II or Class III) obesity and/or those who have other cardiometabolic comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes.

    Weight loss surgery is not recommended for people with decompensated liver cirrhosis, as it can increase the risk for postoperative complications and mortality.[1][2]

    References

    1. ^Sheka AC, Adeyi O, Thompson J, Hameed B, Crawford PA, Ikramuddin SNonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: A Review.JAMA.(2020-Mar-24)
    2. ^Kenneth Cusi, Scott Isaacs, Diana Barb, Rita Basu, Sonia Caprio, W Timothy Garvey, Sangeeta Kashyap, Jeffrey I Mechanick, Marialena Mouzaki, Karl Nadolsky, Mary E Rinella, Miriam B Vos, Zobair YounossiAmerican Association of Clinical Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Primary Care and Endocrinology Clinical Settings: Co-Sponsored by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD)Endocr Pract.(2022 May)