Mixed
High-intensity physical activity significantly reduces the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in individuals with stable obesity, whereas high-intensity activity combined with significant net weight gain (>20 kg) paradoxically increases MASLD risk compared to lower intensity activities.
If you have stable obesity, high-intensity exercise (over 1200 MET min/week) is significantly better for your liver than low-intensity activity. However, if you are gaining a lot of weight (>20kg) over time, high-intensity exercise might actually increase your liver disease risk compared to moderate or low intensity. Focus on maintaining stable weight with high intensity, or use moderate intensity if you are struggling with weight gain.
High-intensity physical activity is beneficial for MASLD among individuals with stable obesity... Further analysis of the net weight changes revealed a paradoxical risk elevation with intensified physical activity during different time periods.
Why this rating
Retrospective observational study using NHANES data; establishes association but not causation.
Source
Association between weight fluctuation and the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Jinping Wang et al. · World Journal of Hepatology · 2025
DOI 10.4254/wjh.v17.i5.103852
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