Approximately 100 million people in the United States have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This number is around 25% of the nation’s population, an alarming statistic highlighting the disease’s growing prevalence.
Fatty liver disease is when fat builds up in the liver, resulting in inflammation and potential liver damage. MASLD is the more advanced form, which develops even without excessive alcohol consumption. It usually affects those with obesity, another condition that billions of people worldwide struggle with.
Many are unaware of the strong link between weight loss and liver health. If you want to take control of your overall well-being, take the time to understand this connection.
Obesity and Fatty Liver Disease
The liver is the organ that detoxifies the body, produces bile for digestion, and regulates metabolism. When fat accumulation reaches unhealthy levels, it disrupts normal functions and causes fibrosis, or liver scarring. If left untreated, fatty liver disease can cause more severe forms of damage, such as cirrhosis, which is irreversible. It may also increase the risk of developing insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders.
Obesity is a top risk factor for fatty liver disease because excessive eating sends extra fat straight to the liver. When it fails to process and break down fats as it should, it leads to steatosis or fat buildup. Obesity also contributes to insulin resistance, amplifying liver fat storage. As it brings a cluster of conditions, from type 2 diabetes to high blood pressure and high cholesterol, the organ bears the brunt of it all.
Weight Loss and Liver Health
Losing significant weight is an effective fatty liver disease treatment because the two have an inverse relationship. If you lose 7% of your body weight, you improve nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more severe form of fatty liver disease. Regarding fibrosis, a weight loss of at least 10% is necessary. Shedding excess weight can also lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, which is the leading cause of death among those with NAFLD or MASLD.
Fatty Liver Diet Plan
You don’t have to have the disease to start thinking about fatty liver and weight loss. However, if you already have it, making the effort to reverse it is extra crucial. Remember, fatty liver disease is silent and insidiously progresses unless there is enough inflammation to alert you of its presence.
A well-planned diet for fatty liver disease can do wonders. Take these dietary and lifestyle tips to heart:
Focus on Whole, Nutrient-Dense Foods: Eat meals with whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Nutrient-dense foods also provide essential vitamins and antioxidants that promote liver function.
Choose Healthy Fats: Not all fats will harm you. Healthy fats in avocados, olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish like salmon can reduce liver fat and triglyceride levels and boost protective HDL cholesterol.
Reduce Processed Foods and Sugar Intake: Refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and highly processed foods point toward insulin resistance and fat accumulation. Limit sugar-sweetened beverages, white bread, pastries, and fried foods.
Increase Fiber Intake: High-fiber foods support digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels, decreasing the burden on the liver.
Engage in Regular Exercise: Physical activity is vital for burning excess fat. Do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week, such as walking, swimming, or cycling. Keep your heart pumping for around 30 minutes each session.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water aids in flushing out toxins and supports metabolic processes essential for fat breakdown. Hydrate based on your thirst levels and drink more if you exercise or feel dehydrated.
Avoid Alcohol and Other Liver-Damaging Substances: Alcohol is a significant contributor to liver disease; even moderate consumption can worsen NAFLD. Steer clear of other liver-damaging substances like excessive medication.
Best Medications for Fatty Liver Disease: What Really Works?
Certain medications used for diabetes and weight management, like liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy or Ozempic), and tirzepatide (Zepbound or Mounjaro), can also help treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). These medications reduce liver fat, improve liver enzymes, and may slow disease progression without worsening fibrosis (scar) in the liver.
Experts recommend GLP-1 medications for fatty liver because studies show they can improve liver health. Tirzepatide, which works on two key hormones (GLP-1 and GIP), is also showing promise in reducing liver fat and improving metabolism.
If you have fatty liver disease, talk to your doctor to see if one of these treatments may be right for you!
Get in Touch With Your Weight Loss Doctor
Managing fatty liver disease and achieving sustainable weight loss requires a personalized approach. At Hypertension and Kidney Health, Dr. Michaela Mocanu specializes in helping patients reverse fatty liver disease through medically supervised weight loss programs.
As your weight loss doctor, Dr. Mocanu will work closely with you to devise a plan according to your medical history and needs. You will not lose weight just temporarily; you will develop good habits for long-term well-being.
Contact Hypertension and Kidney Health today at (610) 510-7152 or schedule a consultation online. With our expert guidance, you can become a liver health champion.
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