Therapeutic Effects of a WeChat Mini-Program on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)
• Digital health interventions
• Lifestyle modification

Background:

• Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) management requires weight loss, which is challenging for patients.
• A significant need exists for tailored digital lifestyle interventions for MAFLD in China.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a WeChat mini-program-based lifestyle intervention on weight loss and hepatic steatosis in overweight or obese individuals with MAFLD.

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized controlled trial enrolled overweight/obese adults with MAFLD.
• Participants were assigned to a WeChat mini-program intervention (personalized diet/exercise, monitoring) or standard care.
• Outcomes, including body weight and liver parameters, were assessed at baseline and 6 months.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed significantly higher rates of ≥5% and ≥10% weight loss compared to the control group.
• A greater proportion of the intervention group achieved ≥10% reduction or normalization of the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP).
• The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in liver enzymes, metabolic parameters, and the FibroScan-aspartate aminotransferase score.

Conclusions:

• A WeChat mini-program intervention is effective for weight loss and improving hepatic steatosis and metabolic parameters in MAFLD patients.
• This scalable, low-cost digital approach addresses a critical gap in MAFLD management in China.
• Further research is needed to confirm findings and assess long-term sustainability.