A recent study found that a 1-minute daily increase in physical activity from childhood to young adulthood can significantly reduce the risk of severe liver steatosis and cirrhosis.

The study, published in npj Gut and Liver, investigated the long-term effects of sedentary time (ST), light physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on liver health in 2,684 British adolescents. Using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), researchers followed participants from ages 11-24 years, assessing liver indices and enzymes at age 24 years.

Researchers found that a cumulative 1-minute/day increase in ST was associated with increased odds of liver cirrhosis (odds ratio [OR]: 1.004; 95% CI: 1.002-1.005; P < .001) and severe liver steatosis (OR: 1.001; 95% CI: 1.001-1.002; P = .002) by age 24 years. Conversely, higher levels of LPA and MVPA were linked to lower risks of these conditions. Specifically, 1-minute/day of LPA was associated with reduced odds of liver cirrhosis (OR: 0.990; 95% CI: 0.990-0.991; P < .001) and severe steatosis (OR: 0.999; 95% CI: 0.998-0.999; P < .001), while MVPA was associated with decreased risk of severe steatosis (OR: 0.996; 95% CI: 0.994-0.998; P < .001).

“Among adolescents, steatosis liver disease (SLD) or metabolic dysfunction-associated SLD (MASLD) is the most prevalent (7.6%) chronic liver disease globally and the prevalence could increase fivefold in populations with obesity,” noted researchers. “Specifically, engaging in at least 3–4 h/day of LPA from childhood through young adulthood may protect 11 out of 1000 youths from the risk of liver cirrhosis and 4 out of 1000 youths from severe liver steatosis (SLD, MASLD and MASH)."

The authors declared no competing interests.