OCC

Methodology

Evidence Review Standards

How we weigh evidence when drafting and reviewing educational content.

Written by MagnaMetabolic Editorial Team Medically reviewed by Ariel Ortiz, MD — Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery Last reviewed: June 7, 2026

Hierarchy of evidence

  1. Current major society guidelines (ADA, AACE, AHA/ACC, AASLD, Endocrine Society, IFSO).
  2. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials.
  3. Individual randomized controlled trials.
  4. Prospective cohort studies and registries.
  5. Case-control and cross-sectional studies (for natural history and prevalence).
  6. Mechanistic and pre-clinical work (clearly identified as such).

Currency

We prefer the most recent version of each guideline and flag situations where consensus has shifted (e.g., NAFLD → MASLD nomenclature change). Older landmark studies are cited when they remain foundational.

Balance

Where reasonable clinicians disagree, we describe the disagreement and the evidence on each side rather than presenting one view as settled.

Conflicts of interest

Reviewers disclose relevant financial relationships. Editorial decisions are made independently of advertising and partner relationships.

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