Israeli Researchers Discover Way to Reduce Risk of Fatty Liver Disease

MASLD affects roughly 30% of the general population and is closely associated with obesity, poor diet and low physical activity.

By Shula Rosen

A study led by Israeli researchers has found that adults who complete most of their weekly exercise in just one or two days can substantially lower their risk of fatty liver disease, cardiovascular illness and premature death, with outcomes comparable to those who exercise more frequently throughout the week.

The findings, led by a research team at the University of Haifa and published in the journal Liver International, are based on objective measurements of physical activity and focus on metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the most common chronic liver condition worldwide.

MASLD affects roughly 30% of the general population and is closely associated with obesity, poor diet and low physical activity.

Rather than relying on self-reported exercise habits, researchers analyzed motion data from 2,490 participants in a US national health survey. Each participant wore an accelerometer continuously for seven days, allowing researchers to capture precise information on activity intensity and total time spent moving.

Participants were classified into three categories: those who were largely inactive; those who achieved at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity spread across the week; and those who met the same activity threshold but performed at least half of it in one or two days.

Across the study population, reaching the 150-minute weekly benchmark was strongly associated with better outcomes, regardless of how the activity was scheduled.

Among individuals diagnosed with MASLD, those who met the activity threshold showed significantly lower overall mortality and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, even when their exercise was concentrated into one or two days.

Disease prevalence varied sharply by activity level. MASLD was identified in 38% of inactive participants, compared with 26% of those who exercised throughout the week and 20% of those whose activity was concentrated into one or two days.

Researchers noted that the study included relatively few participants with advanced liver disease, such as significant fibrosis or early cirrhosis, limiting conclusions for those groups.

Still, Zelber-Sagi said patients with more advanced disease can benefit from appropriately adjusted physical activity.

Because accelerometers primarily capture aerobic movement, the analysis largely reflects moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise.

Current recommendations remain unchanged, Zelber-Sagi said: at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, combined with one or two strength-training sessions to preserve muscle mass.