As we get older, healthy ageing involves much more than maintaining muscle strength, mobility and energy. Ageing also affects organs inside the body, including the liver.
New research published in 2026 suggests that regular exercise may help protect the ageing liver from fat accumulation, inflammation and fibrosis. In particular, researchers found that exercise triggered biological changes linked with improved insulin sensitivity and cellular repair in older mice with diet-induced metabolic liver disease.
Although researchers still need human studies to confirm these specific mechanisms, the findings add to existing evidence supporting physical activity as an important part of metabolic and overall health. In addition, the study provides new insights into how exercise may influence the liver at a cellular level.
Therefore, people concerned about fatty liver disease, diabetes, high cholesterol or other metabolic risk factors may benefit from discussing liver health and lifestyle with a GP.
Why Is Liver Health Important as We Age?
The liver performs hundreds of important functions that help keep the body working normally. For example, it processes nutrients, helps regulate blood glucose, stores vitamins and minerals, produces essential proteins and helps remove waste products and other substances from the bloodstream.
As we age, the ability of cells to maintain and repair themselves can change. At the same time, liver health can be influenced by metabolic risk factors such as excess body weight, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and physical inactivity.
One increasingly recognised liver condition is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD. Previously, this condition was known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD.
MASLD involves excess fat accumulating in the liver in association with metabolic risk factors. Over time, some people may also develop inflammation and fibrosis, which can potentially lead to more serious liver disease.
However, early fatty liver disease may not cause obvious symptoms. Therefore, routine health assessments can be useful for people with relevant risk factors.
What Did the New Exercise and Liver Study Find?
A 2026 study published in Aging Cell investigated how exercise affected age-related liver changes in older mice fed a long-term high-fat diet.
As a result of ageing and the high-fat diet, the animals developed several features associated with metabolic liver disease. These included increased liver fat, inflammation, insulin resistance and fibrosis.
The researchers then introduced a six-week exercise intervention. Afterwards, they compared the exercising animals with those that remained sedentary.
Importantly, the exercising group showed improvements in several measures associated with liver and metabolic health. These included insulin sensitivity, hepatic steatosis and fibrosis.
In addition, the researchers investigated what might be happening at a cellular level. Their findings suggest that exercise-derived signalling molecules may help activate pathways involved in maintaining and repairing liver cells.
However, this was an animal study. Therefore, the findings should not be interpreted as proof that a particular exercise program can reverse liver ageing or fibrosis in humans.
How Exercise and Liver Health May Be Connected?
The study identified several potentially important effects of exercise. In particular, researchers observed changes related to insulin sensitivity, liver fat, inflammation, fibrosis and cellular maintenance.
Improved Insulin Sensitivity
Insulin helps glucose move from the bloodstream into cells, where the body can use it for energy. However, insulin resistance occurs when cells respond less effectively to insulin.
Exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and, therefore, plays an important role in metabolic health. In the study, regular exercise helped restore insulin sensitivity in the older animals.
Reduced Fat Accumulation
The researchers also observed reduced hepatic steatosis, which means less excess fat accumulation in the liver. Specifically, exercising animals had less liver fat compared with sedentary animals.
This finding is particularly relevant because excess liver fat is a key feature of MASLD.
Reduced Inflammation
Chronic metabolic inflammation can contribute to tissue damage over time. In this study, exercise reduced several signs of inflammation. As a result, physical activity may help create a healthier metabolic environment for liver cells.
Reduced Liver Fibrosis
Fibrosis occurs when repeated liver injury leads to excessive scar tissue formation.
Importantly, the exercise intervention reduced fibrotic changes and suppressed signalling associated with fibrosis in the animal model. However, further research is needed to determine whether the same mechanisms produce comparable effects in humans.
Improved Cellular Maintenance
Cells have natural systems for removing damaged components and recycling cellular material. One of these processes is known as autophagy.
The researchers found that exercise helped restore this process. Consequently, improved cellular maintenance may be one of the ways exercise supports normal liver function during ageing.
The Science Behind the Benefits
One of the most interesting findings involved tiny particles known as exosomes.
Exosomes are small structures released by cells that can carry proteins and signalling molecules through the body. During exercise, these particles may help different tissues communicate with one another.
In this study, exercise increased levels of exosomes containing extracellular nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (eNAMPT).
Furthermore, the researchers found that these exercise-derived exosomes helped activate a pathway involving a protein called SIRT1. This pathway appeared to improve cellular maintenance and reduce processes associated with liver fat accumulation and fibrosis.
In simpler terms, exercise may do more than strengthen muscles or increase energy expenditure. It can also trigger molecular signals that travel through the body and influence how other organs function.
However, researchers need further studies to determine how these findings translate to humans.
Exercise and Liver Health for Healthy Ageing
Overall, the study provides an interesting insight into how physical activity could influence ageing at a cellular level.
Regular physical activity already forms an important part of healthy ageing and metabolic health. For example, it can help improve cardiovascular fitness, maintain muscle strength, support glucose regulation and reduce prolonged sedentary behaviour.
In addition, the new research suggests there may be specific cellular pathways through which exercise helps protect organs such as the liver as we age.
For people with metabolic risk factors, physical activity may form one part of a broader health plan. Depending on individual needs, this may also include balanced nutrition, weight management, blood pressure and cholesterol management, diabetes care and regular medical review.
However, exercise should not replace medical assessment or treatment for diagnosed liver disease.
How Much Exercise Supports Liver Health??
Australian physical activity guidance encourages adults to be active regularly and to include different types of movement throughout the week.
For example, regular activity may include moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise, muscle-strengthening activities and activities that support mobility, balance and coordination.
Importantly, physical activity does not need to mean intense gym training. Brisk walking, cycling, swimming and other everyday activities can also contribute to overall activity levels.
In addition, reducing prolonged periods of sitting can be beneficial. Therefore, people who spend much of the day at a desk may consider incorporating regular movement throughout their day.
However, individual exercise needs can vary. People who have been inactive, have chronic health conditions or are unsure which exercises are appropriate may benefit from discussing a suitable activity plan with a healthcare professional.
Who May Be at Higher Risk of Fatty Liver Disease?
Fatty liver disease is closely associated with metabolic health. Risk may be higher in people who are overweight or living with obesity. Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance can also increase risk, while high cholesterol or triglyceride levels may contribute to metabolic liver changes.
Other relevant factors include high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome. In addition, low levels of physical activity may be associated with a higher risk of fatty liver disease.
Importantly, fatty liver disease may not cause noticeable symptoms, particularly in its earlier stages. As a result, some people only discover liver changes after blood tests or imaging performed for another reason.
Having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean that you have liver disease. Therefore, a GP
However, fatty liver disease may not cause noticeable symptoms, particularly in its earlier stages. As a result, some people only discover liver changes after blood tests or imaging performed for another reason.
Having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean that you have liver disease. Therefore, a GP can review your individual circumstances and determine whether further investigation may be appropriate.
Exercise and Liver Health: When Should You Speak With a GP??
Consider discussing liver health with your GP if you have metabolic risk factors, abnormal liver function test results, a previous diagnosis of fatty liver disease or other concerns about your liver.
Depending on your medical history and risk factors, a GP may discuss blood tests, lifestyle factors, medications or further investigations. In addition, ongoing monitoring may be recommended when relevant.
Some symptoms require more urgent assessment. For example, seek medical advice promptly if you develop jaundice, significant abdominal swelling, persistent unexplained abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools, confusion or a significant unexplained deterioration in your health.
Liver Health and General Practice in Southbank
If you are concerned about fatty liver disease, diabetes, cholesterol, weight or other metabolic risk factors, a GP can assess your overall health rather than considering liver health in isolation.
At Capstone Medical Centre Southbank, general practice consultations can include preventive health assessments and ongoing management of chronic health conditions.
Depending on your circumstances, your GP may review your medical history, medications, lifestyle and relevant risk factors. Afterwards, they can discuss whether blood tests or other investigations may be appropriate.
In addition, regular medical review can help monitor conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol that may affect long-term metabolic health.
Benefits of Looking After Liver Health Early
Many metabolic health problems develop gradually. Therefore, addressing modifiable risk factors early can support overall health and may help reduce complications associated with conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and metabolic liver disease.
For example, a preventive approach may include regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, maintaining an appropriate weight, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, managing existing medical conditions and attending recommended health checks.
However, the appropriate approach differs between individuals, particularly for people who already have liver disease or other chronic medical conditions.
For this reason, if you have concerns about your liver or metabolic health, consider discussing them with a GP rather than relying on symptoms alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can exercise reverse fatty liver disease?
Physical activity can form an important part of managing metabolic health and fatty liver disease. However, individual results vary, and management depends on factors such as the severity of liver disease and other medical conditions. Importantly, the 2026 study discussed in this article involved mice. Therefore, its specific effects cannot yet be assumed to occur in humans.
What type of exercise is best for liver health?
A combination of aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening exercise can support overall metabolic health. For example, walking, cycling, swimming and resistance training are common options. However, the most appropriate program depends on your health, fitness and any existing medical conditions.
Does fatty liver disease cause symptoms?
Fatty liver disease can be present without obvious symptoms, particularly during its earlier stages. As a result, some people may be unaware that they have liver changes. Therefore, people with metabolic risk factors may benefit from discussing their liver health with a GP.
Can I have fatty liver disease if I do not drink alcohol?
Yes. MASLD is primarily associated with metabolic factors rather than alcohol consumption. For example, contributing factors can include insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity and abnormal blood lipid levels.
Should I have my liver checked if I have diabetes or high cholesterol?
Diabetes and abnormal blood lipids can be associated with metabolic liver disease. However, whether you need specific testing depends on your individual medical history and risk profile. Therefore, your GP can determine which assessments may be appropriate.
Is exercise safe if I already have liver disease?
Many people with chronic health conditions can benefit from physical activity. However, the appropriate type and intensity vary between individuals. Therefore, if you have diagnosed liver disease, significant symptoms or other medical conditions, discuss a suitable exercise plan with your doctor.
References
- Song W, Wu N, Li X, et al. Exosome-Delivered eNAMPT From Exercise Activates SIRT1 to Counteract Age-Related Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis. Aging Cell. 2026;25(5):e70541 View the study in Aging Cell
- Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults and Older Adults. View the Australian physical activity guidelines
- National Library of Medicine. PubMed record: Exosome-Delivered eNAMPT From Exercise Activates SIRT1 to Counteract Age-Related Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis. View on PubMed
