Fatty liver disease is a growing health concern, affecting millions of people across the globe. One of the most common types is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Linked to poor diet, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle, this condition can lead to liver inflammation, scarring, and even cirrhosis if left untreated. Dr. Wendi LeBrett, a double-board-certified gastroenterologist and internal medicine physician based in California, has now shared an exercise that can help prevent and even improve fatty liver disease. Before we dive into that, let’s take a look at fatty liver disease and its symptoms. What is fatty liver?
The liver is the largest organ in the body, which helps the body to digest food, store energy, and remove toxins. Fatty liver disease is a condition where excess fat accumulates in the liver, impairing its function. There are two main types:
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), aka Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Alcoholic fatty liver disease, also called alcoholic steatohepatitis
What are the symptoms of fatty liver disease
Fatty liver is often called a ‘silent’ disease because it may present no symptoms in its early stages. You probably will not know you have it, unless it’s diagnosed during tests carried out for another reason. When the disease progresses, the following symptoms may appear.
- a dull or aching pain in the top right of the tummy (over the lower right side of the ribs)
- fatigue
- unexplained weight loss
- weakness
What is the best exercise for fatty liver disease
Dr. LeBrett has emphasized the importance of incorporating exercise into one’s routine to improve and prevent certain conditions. “One in four Americans will have fatty liver, and insulin resistance is a key driver in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver,” the gastroenterologist said in a video shared on Instagram. She also emphasized the importance of controlling insulin resistance through exercise. “Building muscle mass is one of the best ways to reduce insulin resistance and should be the priority at the gym with anyone with or at risk of fatty liver,” she said.When people think of exercise, especially as weight gain and obesity are linked to fatty liver disease, they jump on cardio. While cardio is beneficial in losing weight, the doctor emphasizes that building muscles is even more important. For that, she recommends weight-bearing exercises. “Prioritizing weight-bearing exercise over cardio at the gym because increasing muscle mass is one of the best ways to prevent and improve fatty liver,” the doctor suggested. These exercises include walking, running, jumping, dancing, and using weights or resistance bands to perform exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups.
Along with exercise, making some lifestyle changes, such as focusing on a balanced diet, can also help to improve and even reverse fatty liver disease. A balanced diet low in refined sugars and processed carbohydrates is ideal. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential to track progress and prevent complications.
