Is Sedentary Lifestyle Linked To Fatty Liver Disease? Expert Advice On MASLD

By Admin

30 Apr, 2025

In today's fast-paced yet physically inactive world, sedentary lifestyles have quietly become a major health concern. Characterized by prolonged sitting, low physical activity, and high screen time, this modern-day habit not only increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes but is also emerging as a key contributor to Metabolic dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) — previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

According to Dr. Srujan Kumar Dasyam, Consultant Medical Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist & Therapeutic Endoscopist at KIMS Hospital, Hyderabad, the link between sedentary living and MASLD is stronger than ever and cannot be overlooked.

Understanding MASLD

MASLD is a liver condition characterized by excess fat accumulation in the liver in people who consume little to no alcohol. It represents a spectrum ranging from simple steatosis (fatty liver) to Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) — a more severe form involving inflammation and liver damage. If left unmanaged, it can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even Hepatocellular Carcinoma (liver cancer).

How Sedentary Lifestyle Fuels MASLD

Dr. Dasyam highlights several mechanisms that explain how inactivity can lead to or worsen MASLD:

1. Positive Energy Balance & Fat Accumulation
Reduced physical activity means less energy burned, which often results in a surplus of unused calories. This excess is stored as fat — not just around the waistline, but also within the liver. Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that abdominal obesity is a key risk factor for MASLD.

2. Insulin Resistance
A sedentary lifestyle is closely associated with insulin resistance — a condition where the body’s cells don’t respond well to insulin, leading to increased blood sugar and fat deposition in the liver. The Mayo Clinic underscores the strong connection between insulin resistance and MASLD.

3. Lipid Imbalance
Inactivity disturbs lipid metabolism, leading to elevated triglycerides and LDL ("bad") cholesterol. These factors contribute significantly to hepatic fat accumulation.

4. Chronic Inflammation
In obese and inactive individuals, visceral fat produces inflammatory chemicals (cytokines) that can trigger liver inflammation, accelerating the progression from simple fatty liver to NASH.

Expert Advice to Improve Liver Health

Dr. Dasyam recommends the following lifestyle modifications to manage or prevent MASLD:

• Be Physically Active:
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week — think brisk walking, cycling, or light jogging. Even daily chores and walking during work breaks can help reduce liver fat.

• Limit Sitting Time:
Take short walking or stretching breaks every 30 minutes. Consider standing desks or active workstations to reduce sedentary hours.

• Choose a Balanced Diet:
Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit saturated fats, sugar-sweetened beverages, and processed foods.

• Focus on Gradual Weight Loss:
If overweight, aim for a slow and steady weight reduction of 1–2 pounds per week. Even losing 5–10% of body weight can yield significant liver health improvements.

• Manage Coexisting Conditions:
Keep diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol under control, as these are closely linked to MASLD.

Conclusion

MASLD is a growing public health concern, and a sedentary lifestyle is a major — yet modifiable — risk factor. With conscious lifestyle changes, individuals can not only halt the progression of fatty liver disease but also reverse it in many cases.

Regular checkups and personalized advice from healthcare professionals, like Dr. Dasyam, are essential to ensure timely intervention and long-term liver health.