You may not feel it but your liver is quietly keeping score of your daily choices and as the second-largest organ in your body that works overtime to filter toxins, digest food and balance energy, it is often the first to suffer when modern routines take over. From skipping home-cooked meals to relying on sugary drinks and fried snacks, many of our everyday habits are pushing the liver toward a condition now known as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), the medical term for what was once called “fatty liver.”What makes MASLD particularly deceptive is that it rarely shows symptoms early on. Most people discover it by accident during a routine health check, long after the fat has already begun accumulating in their liver cells. The good news however, is tat it is one of the few lifestyle-related diseases that is highly reversible if caught early and the fix does not come from pills but from daily, consistent habits that help the liver heal itself.
In an interview with the Times of India, Dr Piyush Vishwakarma, Consultant (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplant) at RG Hospitals, warned, “Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is becoming common in India because of inactive lifestyles and unhealthy eating.”
Bringing his expertise to the same, Dr Mayank Mehrotra, Director — Gastroenterology at Regency Health in Kanpur, added “The reassuring part is that the damage is largely reversible if we detect it early. No pills or procedures can match the power of steady, everyday habits.”
The scale of the problem
Fatty liver used to be framed as “non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.” The new name, MASLD, highlights that it is a disorder of metabolism and it is widespread. Large reviews of Indian data estimate that about one in three adults has some degree of fatty liver. It is due to excess calories (especially from refined carbs, sugary drinks and fried snacks), lack of activity, poor sleep and high stress, which are the same drivers behind rising diabetes and obesity. Many people carry liver fat silently and the first time it is noticed is often on a routine check-up or scan.
Practical, everyday tweaks to reverse fat in the liver
- Target small, sustainable weight loss – Weight loss is the single most effective
lifestyle tool we have. A 2021 landmark research in Gastro Journal showed that losing 5–10% of body weight leads to meaningful reductions in liver fat and, at higher loss, improvements in inflammation and fibrosis. In the widely cited study, patients who lost ≥7–10% of body weight had dramatic improvements in steatosis and NASH histology. “If you carry extra weight, losing even 5–7% of body weight — even 4–5 kg — can shrink liver fat dramatically,” said Dr Mehrotra. He asserted that even modest weight loss (5%) reduces liver fat while greater losses (7–10%) improve inflammation and scarring. Set realistic, slow goals (0.5–1 kg/week). - Axe sugary drinks and cut refined snacks – Diet composition affects how much fat the liver stores.
Diets high in free sugars, especially fructose from sugary drinks and processedfoods , drive fat production in the liver (de novo lipogenesis). Multiple reviews link high fructose and refined-carbohydrate intake with increased liver fat. A 2008 study in ScienceDirect discussed how a calorie-restricted diet leading to weight loss can significantly improve liver enzymes and reduce fat accumulation in the liver of NAFLD patients. Dr Vishwakarma said, “Eating too many packaged snacks, sweets and fried foods… causes fat to build up in the liver without any alcohol use.” Liquid sugars (sodas, packaged juices) are particularly harmful because they rapidly deliver fructose, which is a potent trigger for liver fat. Replace with water, infused water, or unsweetened teas. - The
Mediterranean pattern helps – A 2018 review in World Journal of Gastroenterology discussed how a Mediterranean-style diet (rich in vegetables, legumes, whole grains, olive oil, nuts, and oily fish) improves hepatic steatosis and insulin sensitivity, often independent of weight loss, by replacing refined carbs with whole grains and adding healthy fats. Swapping refined carbs for whole grains and adding healthy fats is protective. According to thedoctors , do more of: vegetables, legumes, pulses, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fatty fish (omega-3s), olive oil in moderation and plenty of water. Studies show that Mediterranean patterns lower liver fat and improve metabolic markers. Reboot your plate (half veg, smart carbs, good protein). Dr Mehrotra said, “Make sure your half plate is filled with vegetables; choose whole grains over white rice or maida; maintain modest portions.” More fibre and fewer refined carbs reduce liver fat production and improve insulin response. Swap white rice/white bread for brown rice, millets, whole-wheat rotis, or quinoa. - Move daily, 30 minutes counts – Dr Mehrotra suggested, “Aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking or any enjoyable activity on most days.” Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and reduces liver fat even without dramatic weight loss. Make movement non-negotiable: brisk walks, cycling, dancing or sports.
- Prioritise sleep and stress control – Dr Vishwakarma flagged sleep and stress as contributors. Chronic poor sleep and stress worsen metabolic control and eating patterns that fuel liver fat. Simple tools include regular sleep schedule, short breathing breaks and finding one stress outlet you enjoy.
- Check basic numbers regularly – The experts suggested to keep blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol in target ranges as they are tightly linked to MASLD. If you have borderline sugar or family diabetes history, ask your doctor for liver tests and an ultrasound. Early detection is key.
- Diet patterns to avoid) – Avoid or limit sugar-sweetened beverages, packaged sweets, deep-fried snacks, high-fructose corn syrup products and very high refined-carb meals (large portions of white rice, sweets, maida). These reliably worsen liver fat via increased de novo lipogenesis.
When to see a doctor
If you have central obesity or extra weight around the middle, “borderline” high blood sugar, high cholesterol or a family history of diabetes, ask your GP for a simple liver-function test and, if indicated, an ultrasound. Early MASLD is reversible while delayed detection risks inflammation, fibrosis and cirrhosis decades later.
Doctor-Recommended Foods to Keep Your Liver Healthy
MASLD is common, often silent and largely lifestyle-driven but it is also where everyday choices matter most. As Dr Mehrotra put it, “The liver forgives and forgets if we give it the right chance.” The combination of fewer sugary/processed foods, more whole foods, regular movement and modest, sustained weight loss is the most powerful medicine we have.Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment and before changing your diet or supplement regimen.