Hear + Now: Liver Health Beyond the Scale

When you have NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis), the advice you hear most often is probably "lose weight." But is that the whole story?

As this conversation reveals, managing NASH and improving your eating habits is far more complex than a single number on the scale. It's not just about weight loss, but about building sustainable, healthy habits that nourish your body and support your liver, regardless of your body size. Please see below for the full transcript.

Transcript

Speaker 1: Today we want to talk about managing weight and eating habits when you have NASH disease...

Speaker 2: Right, well NASH – it's actually really interesting because, you know, some people think it's all about weight loss, but that's not the whole story.

Speaker 1: So it's not just about losing weight? Because some people might think, if you have a bigger body and liver problems, weight loss is what to focus on.

Speaker 2: That's what a lot of people assume, but here's the thing – healthy habits benefit all bodies, regardless of size. Some research has shown exercise can actually reduce liver fat even without weight loss happening. It's more about what you're doing than what the scale says.

Speaker 1: So, what kind of eating patterns actually help? Are we talking about specific diets or...?

Speaker 2: More about patterns than strict diets. Think fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats – these may potentially help reduce liver fat. But here's what's important – it's not just food. Stress, sleep, social connections, hormones... they all play a role in metabolic health.

Speaker 1: So it's more complex than just "eat less, move more"?

Speaker 2: Right. Body size is influenced by genetics, stress, hormones – not just calories. And actually, restricting calories too much can cause muscle loss, which isn't helpful. The key is focusing on actions over outcomes.

Speaker 1: So... actions over outcomes... how does that work?

Speaker 2: Instead of obsessing over the scale, you might measure how often you're active, how many fruits and vegetables you're eating. You can set boundaries, make compromises, have fun while being healthy. Those are the things you can actually control.

Speaker 1: So if someone is just getting started with this... what would be the first few practical steps they could take?

Speaker 2: Start small and be consistent. Maybe add 1 extra vegetable to your meals, or consider taking a 10-minute walk after eating. Focus on getting enough sleep – that may help with liver health. And find enjoyable ways to move your body.

Speaker 1: Got it. So it sounds like... the main takeaway is that it's really about sustainable healthy habits rather than just focusing on weight?

Speaker 2: Right. It's about taking care of your whole body and your whole life, not just the number on a scale.