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Exercise does not improve cholesterol levels in liver disease patients

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

Exercise may not necessarily improve cholesterol test scores in obese individuals who have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), according to a new study published in the journal Hepatology.

The findings are a disappointment to medical professionals who thought that exercise may provide a simple and effective way for NAFLD patients to improve their heart health. Cardiovascular concerns are common among these patients, as they often have unhealthy cholesterol levels.

In the study, researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine asked 18 obese participants with NAFLD to engage in a 16-week exercise program that had them workout for 30 to 60 minutes five days per week. Subsequent cholesterol tests showed these participants made no meaningful improvement in their triglyceride or other cholesterol levels.

The researchers said the findings indicate that any improvement in cardiovascular health seen in NAFLD patients who exercise is likely due to weight loss rather than any direct effect on cholesterol levels. This indicates that losing weight, not necessarily increasing physical activity, should be a top priority of these patients.