Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, a renowned social media health influencer, shared a video on Instagram stating how essential aerobic exercises are for treating non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Through his new post, he shared an evidence-based exercise plan stressing on the significance of aerobic exercise as an effective treatment for reducing or reversing fatty liver.
The Liver Doc, through his Instagram handle, quoted that aerobic exercise is the most effective treatment for non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and added that it should be a part of ‘all prescriptions for managing fatty liver, not a bunch of drugs and supplements’.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD (also referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD), is a condition in which excess fat builds up in your liver. This buildup of fat is not caused by heavy alcohol use. [1] Certain health conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol is linked to NAFLD.
Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips suggested two sorts of aerbic exercise routine that one could follow, calling exercise the cornerstone of NAFLD treatment.
Moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise
Physical activities such as brisk walking, jogging, dancing, swimming and cycling is considered to be a Moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise if it is done for a minimum span of 135 minutes per week across a time period of three to five days. It is ideally expected to be increased progressively to 150-240 minutes per week. The same activity could be done at different intensities as per the preference of the individual.
High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
In case of experienced sports enthusiasts, he suggested 'high intensity interval training' for 3-5 days per week. It can be a simple light interval training like a 20-minute walk or jog workout, or it can be a higher-interval training like a 40-45 minute jog run workout. He also added that it is better to do such exercises with the proper guidance of a professional.
“Majority of research evidence indicates that 150-240 minutes per week of at least moderate-intensity aerobic exercise can reduce liver fat by 2-4%,” doctor added. This dose of exercise is likely to improve Central fat (adiposity), Cardiorespiratory fitness and Cardiometabolic health.
Reference:
1. “Definition &Amp;Amp; Facts of NAFLD &Amp;Amp; NASH,” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, December 13, 2024, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/nafld-nash/definition-facts. (Accessed on February 14, 2025)
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Jithin Paul/MSM)