OPTIMIzing muScle Preservation in paTients wIth Cirrhosis

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.