Which liver enzyme is commonly monitored to assess NAFLD response to weight loss?

Which liver enzyme is commonly monitored to assess NAFLD response to weight loss?

• A. ALT
• B. AST
• C. ALP
• D. GGT

Answer: (A)

ALT is a liver-specific enzyme that increases when hepatocytes are damaged by fat accumulation in NAFLD. Because ALT directly reflects hepatocellular injury, its levels typically fall as weight loss improves hepatic steatosis and inflammation, making it a practical marker to monitor response to weight reduction. AST can rise with liver injury but is less specific to the liver and can be influenced by muscle or other factors, so it’s not as reliable for tracking NAFLD changes. ALP and GGT are more related to biliary or cholestatic processes and do not track fat-related liver injury as closely, so they’re less useful for monitoring NAFLD response to weight loss.

ALT is a liver-specific enzyme that increases when hepatocytes are damaged by fat accumulation in NAFLD. Because ALT directly reflects hepatocellular injury, its levels typically fall as weight loss improves hepatic steatosis and inflammation, making it a practical marker to monitor response to weight reduction. AST can rise with liver injury but is less specific to the liver and can be influenced by muscle or other factors, so it’s not as reliable for tracking NAFLD changes. ALP and GGT are more related to biliary or cholestatic processes and do not track fat-related liver injury as closely, so they’re less useful for monitoring NAFLD response to weight loss.