The best exercise for fatty liver - Dr. Mohammad Amani, gastroenterologist and liver specialist
Dr. Mohammad Amani
TehranAdult gastroenterology and liver specialist
The best exercise for fatty liver
Home » The best exercise for fatty liver
Table of contents Study time 13 minutesNon-alcoholic fatty liver is one of the most common metabolic diseases of this century, which is spreading rapidly due to sedentary lifestyle, high-fat and high-calorie diets, and increasing obesity. If this disease is not controlled, it can lead to more serious problems such as inflammation of the liver, fibrosis and even cirrhosis. Fortunately, numerous studies have shown that lifestyle modification, especially through regular physical activity, plays a key role in the prevention and recovery of fatty liver. Exercise not only helps to lose weight and regulate metabolism, but also improves insulin sensitivity and reduces fat accumulation in liver cells. In this article, we will discuss the scientific and practical examination of the best types of exercise for patients with fatty liver in order to provide a clearer path for choosing suitable and effective physical activities to improve this disease.
What is fatty liver?
Fatty liver is a common disorder in the liver in which excess fat is stored in the liver cells. In a normal state, the liver is responsible for metabolism, detoxification and energy storage, but when too much fat accumulates in it, its normal function is disrupted. This condition is usually caused by factors such as overweight, high consumption of high-fat and high-sugar foods, inactivity, diabetes and insulin resistance. Although fatty liver is usually asymptomatic in the early stages, if it progresses, it can lead to inflammation of the liver, fibrosis, and even cirrhosis, which is why timely identification and lifestyle changes, including exercise and healthy eating, are very important.
Causes of fatty liver
The main cause of fatty liver is excessive accumulation of fat (especially triglyceride) in liver cells. This usually happens when a person's calorie intake through food is more than the body's consumption and the excess energy is stored as fat in the liver. Various factors play a role in this problem; Including obesity and overweight, consumption of high-fat and high-sugar foods, inactivity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, use of certain medications, and even disorders in blood lipid levels. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption can cause another type of fatty liver called alcoholic fatty liver. In general, the combination of unhealthy lifestyle, improper nutrition and metabolic diseases are the main causes of fatty liver. Explanation: obesity and overweight, the increase in fat tissue in the body causes more triglycerides to be stored in the liver. Raises the liver. Inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle. Decreased physical activity causes extra calories to be stored in the body as fat. Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Disturbance in the use of blood sugar causes the accumulation of fat in the liver. It is possible to use certain drugs. Medicines such as corticosteroids, antiviral drugs, and some antibiotics can cause fatty liver. Alcohol consumption is one of the most important causes of alcoholic fatty liver, which can lead to severe inflammation and fibrosis. Genetics and family history. Some people are genetically more prone to fatty liver. In general, fatty liver It is the result of the combination of several factors such as unhealthy diet, inactivity, obesity, diabetes and even genetics. Although in many cases, this disease occurs without symptoms in the early stages, but the continuation of this condition can lead to inflammation, fibrosis and serious liver damage. Therefore, knowing the causes of fatty liver and modifying lifestyle through healthy nutrition, regular physical activity and control of underlying diseases play a key role in its prevention and treatment. For this reason, awareness and timely action can prevent the progress of this disease and maintain liver health.
Can exercise help treat fatty liver?
Yes, exercise can play a very effective role in the treatment and control of fatty liver. Regular physical activity helps the body to decrease stored fats in the liver, improve body metabolism and reduce insulin resistance. Even without significant weight loss, research has shown that exercise alone can reduce the amount of fat in liver cells. Aerobic sports such as fast walking, cycling and swimming as well as strength training such as light weight lifting or resistance training are the best options for fatty liver patients. The combination of these two types of exercise along with healthy diet can not only stop the disease process but also help the gradual recovery of the liver.
Read more: Is walking beneficial for fatty liver?
The best exercises to treat fatty liver
Regular exercise is one of the most effective and natural Methods to control and treat fatty liver. When the body does physical activity regularly, metabolism increases and excess fats are used as a source of energy instead of being stored in the liver. Research has shown that even without significant weight loss, exercise can directly reduce the amount of fat in liver cells and improve insulin resistance. In the meantime, aerobic sports such as fast walking, cycling and swimming have the greatest effect in reducing liver fat, and their combination with strength and resistance training can speed up the recovery process. For this reason, exercise is not only a preventive method but also an effective treatment for patients with fatty liver. 1. Fast walking: Fast walking is one of the best and easiest exercises to reduce liver fat. Doing it daily for 30 to 45 minutes will increase the metabolism and reduce the accumulation of fat in the liver. This exercise helps to burn fat and strengthen muscles and has a positive effect on liver function. 3. Cycling: Cycling, whether outdoors or on a stationary bike, is an effective aerobic exercise. This exercise helps to burn fat and strengthen muscles and has a positive effect on liver function. 4. Swimming: Swimming is a complete sport that burns a lot of calories and contributes to improving metabolism. This regular activity can help reduce fat and liver inflammation. 5. Light running: Light or slow running is one of the most effective ways to increase energy consumption. This exercise helps to improve cardiovascular health and reduce liver fat. 6. Strength exercises: doing resistance exercises with weights or exercise bands increases muscle volume. More muscles means higher metabolism, which helps reduce liver fat. 7. Yoga and stretching exercises: Yoga and stretching exercises reduce stress and improve blood flow. Although these sports burn less fat, they are effective in the general health of the liver. Type of exercise Recommended duration per week Effect on fatty liver Fast walking 4 to 5 days a week, 30-45 minutes each time Increasing metabolism, reducing fat accumulation in the liver Cycling 3 to 4 days a week, 30-60 minutes each time چربیسوزی، بهبود عملکرد قلب و کبدشنا۲ تا ۳ روز در هفته، هر بار ۳۰–۴۵ دقیقهمصرف انرژی بالا، کاهش التهاب و بهبود متابولیسمدویدن سبک۳ تا ۴ روز در هفته، هر بار ۲۰–۳۰ دقیقهافزایش مصرف کالری، بهبود سلامت عروق و کبدتمرینات قدرتی۲ تا ۳ روز در هفته، هر بار ۳۰ دقیقهافزایش حجم عضلات، بالا رفتن سوختوساز و کاهش چربی کبدیوگا و Stretching exercises 2 to 3 days a week, 20-30 minutes each time, reduce stress, improve blood circulation and help the general health of the liver. Finally, no exercise alone can do miracles, but it is regular continuation of physical activities along with a healthy diet and weight control that brings the desired result. Combining aerobic sports such as walking and cycling with strength training and even yoga is the best solution to reduce liver fat and improve the general health of the body. Therefore, choosing an exercise that is compatible with a person's physical condition and lifestyle and doing it continuously is the main key in the treatment and prevention of fatty liver.
Is exercise alone enough to treat fatty liver?
No, exercise alone is not enough to treat fatty liver, but it plays a very important and undeniable role. Regular physical activity can reduce excess fat stored in the liver, improve insulin resistance, and contribute to overall health. However, the effects of exercise alone will be limited if a person continues to eat an unhealthy high-fat, high-sugar diet or does not control their excess weight. The best results are achieved when regular exercise is combined with healthy nutrition, gradual weight loss, stopping alcohol consumption and controlling underlying diseases such as diabetes and blood lipids. In other words, exercise is a main pillar of treatment, but it should be placed next to lifestyle modification.
What exercise is harmful for fatty liver?
Exercises that are very heavy and intense (such as heavy weight lifting or very intense aerobic exercises without physical preparation) can put a lot of pressure on the body and cause increased inflammation or muscle damage, which itself has a negative effect on liver function. Also, strenuous exercise without adequate rest may raise the level of liver enzymes.
In people with fatty liver, moderate but continuous exercise such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming is recommended. In other words, the harmfulness of exercise is more related to intensity, duration and lack of physical fitness, not the type of exercise itself.
What is the best home exercise for fatty liver?
The best home exercise for fatty liver are those that are simple, can be done in a limited space and are sustainable. At home, you can increase the body's metabolism and help burn fat with light aerobic movements such as walking on the spot, jumping rope or slow dancing. In addition, simple strength exercises with body weight such as squats, swedish swimming and lunges, increase muscle mass and thus increase metabolism. Yoga and stretching exercises are also very useful at home, because in addition to helping balance the body, they reduce stress and strengthen the general health of the liver.
In general, a combination of 20 to 30 minutes of walking daily Sitting or jumping rope together with some simple resistance movements is the best home exercise program for people with fatty liver. How many minutes should we exercise to treat fatty liver? To treat and control fatty liver, most experts recommend at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. این مقدار را میتوان به شکلهای مختلف تقسیم کرد:
- ✅ ۳۰ دقیقه در روز، ۵ روز در هفته (رایجترین روش)
- ✅ یا ۴۵ دقیقه در روز، ۳ تا ۴ روز در هفته
اگر کسی تازه شروع کرده، حتی ۲۰ دقیقه ورزش روزانه هم مفید است و بهتدریج میتواند زمان را افزایش دهد. The important thing is that exercise should be regular and continuous; Stopping or taking long breaks reduces the effectiveness.
How often should we exercise to treat fatty liver?
To treat and control fatty liver, the duration and continuation of exercise is very important. Research shows that:
- Exercising for 4 to 5 days a week brings the best results.
- ✅ Each session should last at least 30 minutes and preferably up to 45 minutes.
- ✅ The total exercise time per week should be about 150 to 200 minutes.
The important point is that exercise should be Continuous and long-term should be done, not intermittently. Even if a person does not lose a lot of weight, continuing to exercise reduces the amount of fat in the liver cells and improves liver function.
Weekly exercise program for the treatment and control of fatty liver
Exercise has the greatest effect on the treatment of fatty liver when it is regular and continuous. Research has shown that at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week can significantly reduce liver fat. For this reason, having a regular and workable exercise program helps patients to be more motivated and to know what type of exercise and how long they should do during the week. Below is a recommended weekly program for the treatment and control of fatty liver.
DayType of exerciseSuggested durationDescriptionSaturdayBrisk walking or cycling 30-40 minutes, starting the week with light aerobic exercise for fat burningSundayStrength training (squat, Swedish swimming, lunge) 20-30 Minutes with body weight or exercise band, 2-3 sets of each movementMondayActive rest (yoga or stretching) 20 minutes to help reduce stress and improve blood circulationTuesdaySwimming or light running 30-45 minutes to increase metabolism and strengthen the cardiovascular systemWednesdayResistance exercises + slow walking 20 minutes + 15 minutes Combination of strength and aerobics for metabolism BetterThursdayFast walking or cycling 30-40 minutes Regular aerobic exercise to reduce liver fatFridayYoga or meditation + stretching exercises 20-30 minutes Relaxing the body and mind, preparing for the new weekThis program is only a suggested pattern and each person can change it according to their physical condition, age and fitness level. The important thing is that exercise should be continuous and long-term to have a real effect on reducing liver fat. Also, combining exercise with a healthy diet, reducing consumption of sugar and harmful fats, and weight control will bring the best results. In case of other diseases, it is recommended to consult a doctor or sports specialist before starting any program.
Summary
Fatty liver is one of the common diseases today, which is mainly caused by unhealthy lifestyle, high-calorie diet, inactivity and metabolic diseases. Scientific evidence shows that regular exercise can directly reduce the amount of fat stored in the liver, improve insulin resistance, and prevent disease progression to inflammation or fibrosis. The best exercises for fatty liver include aerobic activities such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and light jogging, along with strength training and yoga, which are most effective in combination. For more effect, exercise should be done at least 4 to 5 days a week for 30 to 45 minutes. Of course, exercise alone is not enough and should be accompanied by diet modification, weight control and management of underlying diseases. Therefore, having a regular exercise program along with a healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent and treat fatty liver.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best exercise to treat fatty liver?Fast walking, cycling, swimming and strength training are the best options.
How many minutes of exercise a day is enough for fatty liver?At least 30 minutes a day and 150 minutes a week are recommended.
Does exercise at home is also effective for fatty liver?Yes, you can get results at home with movements such as walking on the spot, jumping rope and resistance exercises.
What is the best time of day to exercise for fatty liver?Any time of the day is suitable, but morning exercise helps fuel and improve.
If we do not lose weight, exercise for the liver Is fat healthy?Yes, exercise can reduce fatty liver even without weight loss
Is yoga effective for treating fatty liver?Yes, yoga reduces stress and helps improve metabolic function.
How long does it take to see the effect of exercise on fatty liver?Usually after 2 to 3 months of regular exercise, initial results can be seen.
Can the elderly also Can they exercise for fatty liver?Yes, but light and age-appropriate exercises such as walking or stretching should be chosen.