NAFLD / MASLD

WEIGHT REDUCTION CAN HELP CORRECTION OF FATTY LIVER DISEASE!!

DR VASHISTHA SAYS – We have taken inputs from below article –  

Management of Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease/Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease:  From Medication Therapy to Nutritional Interventions by Mohammad Beygi,  Salma Ahi, Samaneh Zolghadri and Agata Stanek

1. Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology (IUT), Isfahan 8415683111, Iran 

2.  Research Center for Noncommunicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom 7414846199, Iran  

3. Department of Biology, Jahrom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Jahrom 7414785318, Iran Department of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Batorego 15 St., 41-902 Bytom, Poland 

       Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2220; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142220

·     METABOLIC ASSOCIATED FATTY LIVER DISEASE CAN LEAD TO INFLAMMATION OF LIVER WHICH THEN LEADS TO FIBROSIS AND LATER CAN LEAD TO HEPATO CELLULAR CARCINOMA. 

One of the primary risk factors for developing NAFLD, MASLD, and MAFLD is obesity.

Excess weight, especially around the waistline, is strongly associated with the accumulation of fat in the liver, leading to inflammation and potential scarring.

As a result, achieving  weight loss is a critical component of managing and potentially reversing the progression of these conditions . 

Weight loss plays a key role in improving liver health for individuals with NAFLD, MAFLD, and MASLD in several important ways.

Mechanism of action –

Firstly, shedding excesskilos  can lead to a reduction in liver fat accumulation. Even a modest weight loss of 5–10% has been shown to significantly decrease liver fat content, which can help alleviate inflammation and prevent further liver damage.

In addition to reducing liver fat, weight loss is beneficial for addressing the systemic metabolic dysregulation often present in individuals with NAFLD, MASLD, and MAFLD.

Losing weight can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce blood sugar levels, and lower the levels of fats in the bloodstream, all of which are vital for managing metabolic health and reducing the risk of complications such as T2DM and CVD.

Furthermore, weight loss has been shown to improve liver enzyme levels, which are often elevated in individuals with fatty liver disease. Lowering these enzymes through weight loss signifies a reduction in liver inflammation and can indicate an improvement in overall liver function.

It is important to note that while weight loss is crucial for managing NAFLD, MASLD, and MAFLD, how it is achieved matters as well. Sustained, gradual weight loss through a combination of dietary modifications, increased physical activity, and behaviour change is generally recommended for individuals with fatty liver disease. Crash diets and rapid weight loss can potentially exacerbate liver damage and are not advisable for these individuals . Generally, the importance of weight loss in managing NAFLD, MASLD, and MAFLD cannot be overstated. Addressing excess body weight can lead to a reduction in liver fat, improved metabolic health, and a decreased risk of disease progression and complications 

Exercise

For individuals diagnosed with MAFLD/MASLD, incorporating regular exercise into their routine can be highly beneficial. The different types of exercise can play a crucial role in managing these conditions and improving overall health. 

Here, we will explore the various types of exercises that can be particularly beneficial for individuals with MAFLD/MASLD

Aerobic Exercises

Aerobic exercises, also known as cardiovascular exercises, are great for individuals with MAFLD/MASLD. Activities like walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and aerobic dance can be excellent choices to help improve cardiovascular health and are effective in burning calories, which can aid in weight management. It is recommended that individuals aim for at least 150 min of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week

Strength Training Exercises

This type of exercise can improve muscle strength and increase metabolism and is particularly beneficial for individuals with MAFLD/MASLD, as it can aid in weight management and improve insulin sensitivity. Additionally, strength training can help prevent the loss of muscle mass, which is important for overall health and mobility. Incorporating activities such as lifting weights, resistance band exercises, and bodyweight exercises into a workout regimen can be highly beneficial

Flexibility and Balance Exercises

Activities such as stretching exercises, tai chi, and yoga can help improve flexibility, balance, and overall physical well-being. These training activities are particularly important for individuals with MAFLD/MASLD, as they can help maintain mobility and reduce the risk of injury.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

HIIT involves alternating between short bursts of intense exercise and periods of rest or lower-intensity exercise. It can be an effective approach to increase metabolism and improve cardiovascular health for individuals with MAFLD/MASLD .

Generally, incorporating aerobic exercise, strength training, flexibility and balance exercises, and high-intensity interval training can have significant benefits for individuals with MAFLD/MASLD. Regular physical activity plays a key role in managing these conditions and improving overall health. By finding the right balance and consulting with healthcare professionals, individuals can develop an exercise routine that supports their health and well-being in the context of MAFLD/MASLD.

Nutritional Strategies

Maintaining a healthy weight and improving metabolic syndrome features are vital to prevent MAFLD/MASLD complications and control disease progression. Therefore, disease management will be fulfilled by focusing on lifestyle changes, including exercise, quitting smoking, dietary changes, and calorie restriction, to reduce liver fat content and improve liver function. Alcohol abstinence should be recommended to benefit liver health, and healthcare professionals need to consider the benefits and uncertainties of weight loss and calorie restriction in MASLD patients. Thus, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption is crucial, as alcohol can worsen liver inflammation and damage. While there is an ongoing dispute on whether controlled daily consumption of alcohol is beneficial or harmful, the consumption of alcohol has increased among people and therefore can frequently coexist with metabolic syndrome. Research advocates that a mild-moderate intake of alcohol is associated with an elevated risk of liver outcomes. Therefore, healthcare professionals need to ban alcohol consumption for those with MASLD to benefit from optimal liver functioning .