Making lifestyle changes: ten ideas to get started

It is alarming to learn you have "fatty" liver disease. Many newly diagnosed people report having no significant symptoms or even knowing what the condition is. Cases of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD, formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) and a more serious form of the condition, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH, formerly known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis/NASH), are rising quickly around the world. In response, new treatment approaches are being evaluated in numerous clinical trials.

As for what doctors typically recommend today as a first course of action when a "fatty" liver condition is suspected or confirmed, weight loss is near the top of the list. Many impacted individuals will have heard this before and have the desire to lose weight, but are not sure how to start. The mindset is always a good place: every long journey starts with a single step. And small steps achieve the same end as big ones.

2. The buddy system. Look at your circle of friends and family, neighborhood pals, and around the dinner table and ask yourself, who might lean in to adopting some healthier behaviors? From challenging each other on step counts to sharing recipes, who can help make the journey more motivating?

3. Orchestrate your success. Make sure you have the tools you need and set a realistic timeline for yourself and keep your goals small and obtainable. Identify potential pitfalls ahead for your plan (i.e., a special event with limited food options) and have a strategy to overcome. 

4. Adopt a fitness mindset. When you are out, park in the spot furthest away from the entrance and also be on the lookout for stairs (and not the elevator). Before you know it, you’ve added an extra 1,000 steps without much additional effort. Actively seek easy opportunities to up your step count.