Indian-style Mediterranean diet versus low-fat diet to reduce liver fat in overweight children with MASLD

Effect of Indianized Version of Mediterranean Diet vs. Low Fat Diet on Hepatic Steatosis in Overweight Children and Adolescent With MASLD: A Randomized Control Trial

Not applicable Interventional Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, India · NCT06768216

This project will try to see if an Indianized Mediterranean diet or a low-fat diet better reduces liver fat in overweight children and teens with MASLD over 180 days.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment134 (estimated)
Ages8 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorInstitute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, India Academic / other
Locations1 site (New Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi)
Trial IDNCT06768216 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a single-center, randomized, open-label trial that will enroll children and adolescents aged 8–18 years with BMI above the 85th percentile and elevated liver fat (CAP >236 dB/m). Participants will be assigned to either an Indianized Mediterranean diet or a low-fat diet with recommended physical activity and followed for 180 days. The primary outcome is the proportion achieving normal CAP (<236 dB/m) at day 180; secondary outcomes include changes in CAP, ultrasound fatty liver grade, metabolic measures (weight, BMI, HOMA-IR, lipids), adiponectin and inflammatory cytokines, and adherence by a modified KIDMED score. A planned subgroup analysis will examine responses in children with PNPLA3 variants and routine anthropometry, FibroScan, and laboratory tests will be used to measure effects.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Overweight children and adolescents aged 8–18 years with BMI >85th percentile and CAP >236 dB/m who can commit to dietary counseling and clinic visits are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Children with other liver diseases (for example viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, or Wilson disease) or those unable to follow dietary changes or attend follow-up visits are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the Indianized Mediterranean diet could reduce liver fat and improve metabolic and inflammatory markers in overweight children with MASLD.

How similar studies have performed: Mediterranean-style diets have reduced liver fat and improved metabolic markers in adults, but randomized data comparing these diets in children are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age: 8-18 years
2. BMI \> 85th centile
3. CAP \> 236

Exclusion Criteria:

\- Other Liver diseases such as Viral hepatitis (Hep B and C), Autoimmune hepatitis, Wilson disease.

Where this trial is running

New Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.