A RECENT study investigating the impact of different exercise modalities on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in young adults has found that aerobic exercise significantly improves liver function and bile acid metabolism, particularly increasing levels of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a bile acid with known liver-protective properties.
NAFLD, the most common chronic liver condition worldwide, affects an estimated 25% of the global population and is closely associated with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Alarmingly, its prevalence is rising among younger individuals, potentially increasing their risk of digestive cancers. With no approved pharmacological treatments, lifestyle interventions – particularly diet and exercise – remain central to managing the disease.
The study, conducted in a university setting, analysed the effects of three exercise regimens – aerobic, resistance, and a combination of both – on liver function in college students diagnosed with obesity-related NAFLD. Over eight weeks, participants followed structured exercise plans tailored to each group.
Results showed that aerobic exercise alone was the most effective in enhancing liver function. Although resistance training also improved liver parameters, it was less effective than aerobic exercise. Interestingly, the combination of aerobic and resistance training did not yield better results, suggesting that reduced aerobic intensity or interference between exercise types may have limited benefits.
A key finding was the significant increase in serum UDCA levels in the aerobic group. UDCA supports bile acid balance, reduces inflammation, prevents liver cell apoptosis, and plays a crucial role in regulating lipid metabolism. Other conjugated bile acids, such as TUDCA, TCA, and GCDCA, also increased following aerobic training, indicating broader metabolic improvements.
While promising, the study notes limitations, including its focus on younger adults and exercise-only interventions. Future research should explore the combined effects of exercise and diet, extend to older populations, and investigate the precise mechanisms through which bile acid modulation contributes to NAFLD improvement. Nevertheless, the study underscores aerobic exercise as a practical, accessible, and effective intervention for managing NAFLD in young adults.
Reference
Shi J et al. Comparative effects of aerobic and resistance exercise on bile acid profiles and liver function in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. BMC Gastroenterol. 2025;25(1):239.
