Dr. Moode Jayanth is a Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist and Robotic Cancer Surgeon at Yashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda, Hyderabad. says, Fatty liver disease, now termed metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is increasingly common even in people who do not drink alcohol. The good news is that, in most cases, early-stage fatty liver can be slowed, stabilised, and often reversed with consistent lifestyle changes. .
The most effective intervention is losing weight. Research indicates that a 5% reduction in body weight lowers liver fat, a 7–10% reduction improves inflammation (MASH/NASH), and a ≥10% reduction can regress fibrosis (scarring) in many patients. A daily calorie deficit of 500–1,000 kcal with a weekly goal of 0.5–1 kg loss is safe and effective, so drastic diets are not necessary.
Dr. Moode Jayanth explains,Dietary quality is just as important as quantity. The best evidence for enhancing liver health comes from a Mediterranean-style diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive oil, and lean proteins. Reducing sugar-sweetened drinks, refined carbohydrates, and highly processed foods—all of which contribute to insulin resistance and the buildup of liver fat—is equally crucial. Tighter glucose control further protects the liver in people with diabetes or prediabetes.To provide specialized consultations and care at our center in Krishnanagar; Barasat; Jangipore;Berhampore and to book an appointment, please call [ 08065906179 / 0805906168/ 08065906114 ] or book online at www.yashodahospitals.com
Exercise is effective without regard to weight loss. To maintain muscle mass, guidelines suggest 2–3 days of resistance training in addition to 150–240 minutes of moderate-to-intense aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Over time, even brief, frequent walks after meals increase insulin sensitivity and lower liver fat.Metabolic health is also impacted by stress and sleep. Chronic stress and sleep deprivation exacerbate insulin resistance and appetite control, making weight control more challenging. Sustainable change is supported by making 7–8 hours of good sleep a priority and implementing stress-reduction techniques like yoga, breathing exercises, or nature walks.
An already overworked liver is further taxed by alcohol. The majority of experts recommend that individuals with MASLD abstain from alcohol entirely or, at the very least, limit their consumption significantly.Dr. Moode Jayanth is a Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist and Robotic Cancer Surgeon at Yashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda, Hyderabad. Visit every month to provide specialized consultations and care at our center in Krishnanagar; Barasat; Jangipore;Berhampore. To book an appointment, please call [08065906179 / 0805906168/ 08065906114] or book online at –https://www.yashodahospitals.com/
Lastly, consistency is preferable to perfection. Long-lasting liver protection is produced by small, everyday routines like eating at home, controlling portion sizes, getting regular exercise, and seeing a doctor on a regular basis. Fatty liver doesn’t have to be a lifelong condition; with the correct treatment, it can lead to improved metabolic and general health.