The skinny on fatty liver risks
Fatty liver disease, now called MASLD, which stands for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease, is a silent epidemic affecting around 100 million Americans. That means, because of elevated lousy LDL cholesterol, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes and/or obesity, a person's liver is laced with excess fat, interfering with its ability to process nutrients, filter toxins, and produce proteins. Although it's initially asymptomatic, MASLD causes fatigue and abdominal discomfort and, if unchecked, can progress to cirrhosis.
Even in its early stages, it can affect your well-being and longevity. A new study in the Journal of Hepatology reveals that, over a period of 18 years, having fatty liver disease increases the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and non-liver cancer by 54% and 47% respectively, and the risk of death from liver cancer by 35%.
If you have fatty liver, take steps to reduce it:
Step 1: Adopt a diet loaded with fruits and vegetables and without processed foods, saturated fats or added sugars. For dietary guidelines, check out my books "What to Eat When" and "YOU: Losing Weight."
Step 2. Get 150-300 minutes of physical activity a week. Just walking helps reverse it by getting rid of fat particles inside cells -- no sugar before you walk, please!
Step 3. Lower your lousy LDL cholesterol with diet and medication.
Step 4. Limit or eliminate alcohol to avoid liver damage.
Step 5. Get to and maintain a healthy waist circumference (half your height or less, when measured at your belly button as you suck your belly in.).
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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