Exercise Advice for MAFLD
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Treatment of Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease
Metabolic Associate Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) (previously known as NAFLD) is primarily treated by weight loss via lifestyle changes- specifically diet and exercise.
An ideal weight loss target for liver health should aim for at least 7-10% of body weight. While weight loss is the key goal of a diet and exercise program, some health benefits are achieved with regular exercise and dietary changes even in the absence of weight loss. Exercise also helps to maintain muscle mass that is lost during weight reduction. As MAFLD is linked with other heart and metabolic problems, medications may also be prescribed by a doctor to help manage these conditions.
How will exercise benefit me?
Exercise has direct benefits on fatty liver including:
Exercise has other benefits for people with fatty liver including:
What do I need to consider before starting exercise?
If you have any questions as to whether, or what type of exercise is right for you, you should seek guidance from your doctor and a referral to an accredited exercise professional (such as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist or a Physiotherapist). These professionals can conduct appropriate screening to determine what type of exercise will be both safe and beneficial for you. They can tailor a program to suit your goals, preferences and exercise abilities. This is particularly important if you are starting a new exercise program, or significantly changing your current exercise program. Visits to these allied health professionals may be covered by your private health insurance and Medicare (under a chronic disease management plan which can be developed by your doctor).
If you are also being managed by other health professionals such as a cardiologist or an endocrinologist or diabetes specialist, it is important to let them know of your intentions to commence an exercise program.
In Australia, Exercise Physiologists are accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). To find an Accredited Exercise Physiologists near you visit https://essa.org.au/
To find an accredited Physiotherapist near you visit https://australian.physio/
What exercise should I include?
Metabolic Associate Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) (previously known as NAFLD) is primarily treated by weight loss via lifestyle changes- specifically diet and exercise.
An ideal weight loss target for liver health should aim for at least 7-10% of body weight. While weight loss is the key goal of a diet and exercise program, some health benefits are achieved with regular exercise and dietary changes even in the absence of weight loss. Exercise also helps to maintain muscle mass that is lost during weight reduction. As MAFLD is linked with other heart and metabolic problems, medications may also be prescribed by a doctor to help manage these conditions.
How will exercise benefit me?
Exercise has direct benefits on fatty liver including:
- Reducing liver fat
- Improving blood sugar control
- Improving blood pressure
- Improving blood fats like cholesterol and triglycerides
Exercise has other benefits for people with fatty liver including:
- Assisting with weight loss and weight management
- Improving cardio-respiratory fitness
- Improving body composition by reducing fat and/or increasing muscle mass
- Improving muscle strength and endurance
- Improving mental health
- Improving quality of life
What do I need to consider before starting exercise?
If you have any questions as to whether, or what type of exercise is right for you, you should seek guidance from your doctor and a referral to an accredited exercise professional (such as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist or a Physiotherapist). These professionals can conduct appropriate screening to determine what type of exercise will be both safe and beneficial for you. They can tailor a program to suit your goals, preferences and exercise abilities. This is particularly important if you are starting a new exercise program, or significantly changing your current exercise program. Visits to these allied health professionals may be covered by your private health insurance and Medicare (under a chronic disease management plan which can be developed by your doctor).
If you are also being managed by other health professionals such as a cardiologist or an endocrinologist or diabetes specialist, it is important to let them know of your intentions to commence an exercise program.
In Australia, Exercise Physiologists are accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). To find an Accredited Exercise Physiologists near you visit https://essa.org.au/
To find an accredited Physiotherapist near you visit https://australian.physio/
What exercise should I include?
- Aerobic exercise (such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, jogging, dancing and team sports) is particularly beneficial for the management of fatty liver and also improves the health of your heart, blood vessels and your aerobic fitness.
- Resistance exercise (such as weight lifting, body weight exercises, resistance band exercises and circuit training) can also help to promote healthy muscles and bones.
- You should aim to achieve 150-300 minutes per week of aerobic exercise at a ‘moderate’ to ‘vigorous’ exercise intensity (see the Table below). Including two to three non-consecutive days per week of resistance training in addition to your aerobic exercise may provide additional health benefits.
- It is important to select activities that are within your physical capabilities to prevent the risk of injury and to work with an accredited exercise professional if you have any musculoskeletal or other health concerns.
- It is also important to choose exercises that you enjoy so that you will stick to your exercise plan in the long-term.
Recommended Exercise Targets for Patients with MAFLD
Resources and references:
Johnson NA, Keating SE, and George J. Exercise and the liver: implications for therapy in fatty liver disorders. Seminars in Liver Disease, 2012; 32: 1-15
Romeo-Gomez M, Zelber-Sagi S, Trenell M. Treatment of NAFLD with diet, physical activity and exercise. Journal of Hepatology , 2017; 67:829-846
Johnson NA, Keating SE, and George J. Exercise and the liver: implications for therapy in fatty liver disorders. Seminars in Liver Disease, 2012; 32: 1-15
Romeo-Gomez M, Zelber-Sagi S, Trenell M. Treatment of NAFLD with diet, physical activity and exercise. Journal of Hepatology , 2017; 67:829-846
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