Flourish Health & Wellbeing eMag - Latest Edition - Flipbook - Page 9
Beyond the liver
Fatty liver disease is
not just a liver issue. It
is often a sign that the
body’s metabolic health
is under strain. People
with fatty liver disease
are more likely to have or
develop type 2 diabetes,
cardiovascular disease and
chronic kidney disease.
In fact, for many people
with fatty liver disease,
health risks extend beyond
the liver and include heart
disease. This is why
management focuses on
the whole person, not just
the liver scan or blood test
result. Improving blood
pressure, cholesterol,
blood sugar, weight,
昀椀tness, sleep and nutrition
can all help reduce risk.
Can fatty liver disease
be reversed?
In many cases, yes. The
liver has a remarkable
ability to heal, particularly
when fatty liver disease is
identi昀椀ed early. Reducing
liver fat and improving
metabolic health can
lower in昀氀ammation and
help prevent progression.
Weight loss, where
appropriate, can make
a meaningful difference.
Even modest weight
loss may reduce fat in
the liver. Greater and
sustained weight loss may
be needed to improve
in昀氀ammation and scarring
in people with more
advanced disease.
The most effective
approach is usually not a
crash diet, but sustainable
lifestyle change. This may
include eating more whole
foods, reducing sugary
drinks and ultra-processed
foods, increasing physical
activity, improving sleep,
managing stress and
supporting long-term
behaviour change.
