Often just called ‘fatty liver’, and previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a chronic liver disease associated with an excess amount of fat within the liver. It is the most common liver disease worldwide affecting about 1 in 4 adults. Many individuals are unaware that they have this condition. MAFLD is associated with overweight (particularly around the waistline), type 2 diabetes and high blood fats, blood pressure and high blood sugar levels. MAFLD can lead to more severe liver disease such as liver cirrhosis (advanced liver scarring) and liver cancer.
Exercise has direct benefits on fatty liver including:
Exercise has other benefits for people with fatty liver including:
Regular exercise can play a role in preventing the development of other conditions linked with MAFLD such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as well as reducing liver damage associated with the progression of fatty liver.
It is important to choose exercises that you enjoy so that you will stick to your exercise plan in the long-term.
It is important to select activities that are within your physical capabilities to prevent the risk of injury and to work with an accredited exercise professional if you have any musculoskeletal or other health concerns.