Relative to other carbohydrate sources, beverages rich in simple sugars (i.e., glucose, fructose, sucrose) can significantly increase liver fat,[1][2] potentially even without changes in body weight.[3][4] Moreover, restricting simple sugar intake effectively decreases liver fat.[5][6] It’s currently unclear whether restricting simple sugar intake reduces liver fat independent of changes in body weight, but there is some evidence to suggest that it might.[7][8]
Glycemic index is another factor that may influence the effect of carbohydrates on liver fat,[9] but there is very little research on this topic. In an exploratory 7-day randomized crossover trial, a eucaloric high-glycemic index diet increased liver fat compared to a eucaloric low-glycemic index diet in healthy young men.[10]