Patients with both cirrhosis and obesity benefit from weight loss, though patients with cirrhosis are prone to sarcopenia due to accelerated rates of protein turnover, and weight loss typically involves 20-30% of weight loss from lean mass. Prior research indicates that increased intake of high-quality protein, reduced fasting duration, and regular physical activity (particularly resistance training) can improve body composition in patients with cirrhosis. However, weight loss programming specifically tailored to retain lean mass in patients with cirrhosis has not been thoroughly investigated. Further, preliminary data suggests that alternate-day modified fasting, a form of intermittent fasting, may promote lean mass retention during weight loss. Here, this study will compare a weight loss program in patients with both Child-Pugh Class A cirrhosis and obesity using either a standard low-calorie diet (1,200 - 1,500 kcal/day) or alternate day modified fasting featuring a very-low-calorie diet 2-3 days per week for feasibility, satisfaction, and changes in body composition. Both groups will receive a behavioral weight loss program featuring portion-controlled meals and supervised group exercise.
Patients with obesity and cirrhosis benefit from weight loss but are prone to sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass, strength, and function).~This study proposes to test a specialized weight loss program Alternative-day Modified Fasting (ADMF) designed to promote weight loss and preserve skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function in patients with both Child-Pugh (CP) class A cirrhosis and obesity. This study will compare the effectiveness of the ADMF to Continuous Energy Restriction (CER) for 24-weeks. Both arms will receive a high-protein, high-BCAA diet, a late-night snack, supervised aerobic and resistance exercise, increased physical activity through self-monitoring, and group behavioral counseling.~The primary aim of this trial is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of ADMF and CER for 6 months in patients with cirrhosis and obesity. The secondary aim is to compare changes in body composition in both diets.