Physical Activity
Severe liver non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has been linked to a lack of physical exercise. Moreover, sedentary persons who are obese are more likely to develop fatty liver disease than physically active individuals of the same weight.
Clinical investigations show that exercise impacts fatty liver disease through several mechanisms. Both aerobic and resistance training decrease fat in the liver. Aerobic exercise improves cardiac strength, allowing the heart to pump blood more efficiently. As the blood flow increases, it facilitates the transport of blood to the liver and the return of cleansed blood to the circulatory system.
Furthermore, gains in lean muscle mass slow the progression into the latter stages of liver disease. Lifting weights reduces the risk of developing NASH by preventing the accumulation of extra body fat in the liver.
The supply of free fatty acids and glucose for its synthesis to the liver is decreased when peripheral insulin resistance is enhanced. Exercise protects mitochondrial and hepatocellular function by lowering the release of damage-associated molecular patterns, and it also boosts fatty acid oxidation and lowers its synthesis in the liver. Because of these, doctors recommend patients follow a fitness routine, including brisk cardio walking or running and weight training.
