The Impact of Weight Loss Programs on BMI Trajectory in Patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Veterans Health Administration Study.

BACKGROUND: Weight loss is the mainstay of management for patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. We studied the impact of referral to MOVE!, a nationally-implemented behavioral weight loss program, on weight in MASLD patients.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 102,294 MASLD patients from 125 Veterans Health Administration centers from 2008-2022.

RESULTS: Most patients lost no significant weight or gained weight. Increased engagement with MOVE! was associated with greater hazard of significant weight loss compared to no engagement.

CONCLUSION: A minority of patients experienced significant weight loss through 5 years using lifestyle interventions alone.