Liver fat can be pretty dangerous stuff, yet the only way to get rid of it is by losing weight.
But now there may be another way. New research shows that exercise may help reduce fat around the liver, potentially making a healthier liver more accessible to millions of people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
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NAFLD can be quite dangerous to long-term health. Liver fat can cause inflammation and scarring, leading to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and end-stage liver disease. There is no cure for these conditions except for limiting liver fat storage.
A new study shows that about 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise – the exact amount recommended by public health experts – can significantly reduce liver fat in people with NAFLD.
For the study, researchers considered a 30 percent reduction in lover fat – measure by MRI scans, to be a meaningful improvement. They also reviewed 14 randomized controlled trials, so the work included a total of 551 participants.
The researchers found that exercise was 3.5 times more likely to achieve this 30 percent reduction in liver fat independent of weight loss compared to standard care.
They then found the optimal dose of exercise, learning that 39 percent of patients who exercised briskly for 150 minutes per week or more achieved a greater treatment response than 26 percent who exercised less.
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Moderate exercise would be a brisk walk where you might start getting sweaty but can still converse with a walking partner. Light cycling is another example.
If you’ve got NAFLD or would like to give yourself a better chance at preventing it, start moving more. Don’t get caught up on all the numbers. Focus on making exercise a part of your daily routine.
The more physical activity you’re getting, the better, even if it doesn’t lead to weight loss.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
