The winter season compels us to sit at one place, under the blanket, at the ease of warmth. But aren't we all aware of the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle? And when it is winter, it makes it more so stagnant. Not just that, but now a new study from the University of Iowa says that being a couch potato could lead to 19 chronic conditions. Among the 19 chronic conditions, obesity, diabetes, depression and heart diseases also made it to the list.

Research shows that among many diseases, increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, unhealthy cholesterol levels that leads to metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and cancer are also there. This is why any extended sitting whether at desk, behind the wheel or the screen can be harmful.

How was the study conducted?

The team of researchers from various departments at the University of Iowa conducted a detailed study where they analyzed records from over 40,000 patients at a major Midwestern hospital system. In the records, they looked at the extensive physical inactivity of these patients and how it impacted their overall health.

The study and the detailed analysis is published in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease and studies.

As part of conducting the study, a 30-second exercise survey was conducted. Then, patients were also asked two questions: how many days per week they engaged in moderate to vigorous exercise and for how many minutes per session? On the basis of response, the patients were categorized into three groups:

• Inactive - 0 minutes per week
• Insufficiently active - 1-149 minutes per week
• Active - 150 minutes per week

As per Lucas Carr, associate professor in the Department of Health and Human Physiology and study's corresponding author, "This two-question survey typically takes fewer than 30 seconds for a patient to complete so it does not interfere with their visit. But it can tell us a whole lot about that patient's overall health."

What did the study find?

The study got 7,261 responses, and it found that around 60% of them met the recommended guidelines for exercising. These people met the 150 minutes or more minutes of moderate exercise per week. However, almost 36% exercised less than 150 minutes per week and 4% reported no physical activity.

The study also found that people experienced lower rates of depression. 15% of people who exercise for 150 minutes or more, or at least for some amount of time could experience depression, as compared to 26% of those who are inactive. Similarly, for obesity, the numbers are 12% versus 21% for obesity, 20% versus 35% for hypertension and the similar trend was seen in other diseases, and markers of good health, including lower resting pulse rates, and cholesterol profiles.

Patients with no physical activity carried a median of 2.16 chronic conditions, this number was 1.49 conditions in insufficiently active patients and dropped to 1.17 in active patients.

The 19 chronic conditions are:

• Obesity
• Live disease
• Psychoses
• Chronic Lung disease
• Neurological seizures
• Coagulopathy (blood clotting disorder)
• Depression
• Weight loss issues
• Uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Controlled hypertension
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Anemia deficiency
• Neurological disorder affecting movement
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Auto Immune Disease
• Drug Abuse
• Hypothyroidism
• Congestive heart failure
• Vulvar disease (heart valve problem)

Fatty liver disease, as a term, has been used for several years to describe a state of excess fat accumulation in the liver. However, the perception is changing—once known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the condition is now referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The new term, according to leading diabetologist Dr V Mohan, offers more clarity because fatty liver is often associated with alcohol intake. However, even people who do not drink alcohol can develop this condition, and it has a metabolic angle to it. Despite the new name, the concern around fatty liver disease remains the same—can it be reversed?

Can MASLD be reversed?

In an interview with Health and Me, Dr Tushar Madake, consultant in the Department of Transplant Hepatology at Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune, spoke about the new name for fatty liver disease and why the metabolic angle is important.

Fatty liver disease may have a new name, but the concern around it has not changed. The current medical nomenclature identifies this as steatotic liver disease (SLD), with the previously identified NAFLD referred to as metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This classification places emphasis on the true source of the disease—metabolic health—and not necessarily alcohol intake.

Symptoms and diagnosis of MASLD

One of the reasons why fatty liver disease is challenging to diagnose is the fact that it does not exhibit noticeable symptoms in its early stages. The organ functions without issues, and individuals might not suspect a problem. Unlike common assumptions, this condition affects people who are not necessarily overweight or who consume alcohol.

Some of the early symptoms include constant fatigue, an increase in abdominal fat storage, and a feeling of heaviness in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. Changes in the skin, such as discolouration around the neck and armpits and skin tag development, can also be among the symptoms of the condition. Individually, these signs do not necessarily indicate any cause for concern. However, when present together with metabolic issues such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, high levels of cholesterol, and high blood pressure, they might signify liver impairment in the early stages.

Therefore, early diagnosis and monitoring are crucial. If you have these risk factors or experience these symptoms, it is recommended that you undergo tests for liver dysfunction and ultrasonography. In some cases, you may also need to undergo a scan, for instance, a FibroScan, for early detection of liver fibrosis.

Reversing MASLD is possible

Dr V Mohan, one of India’s leading diabetologists, said, “The encouraging news is that early-stage fatty liver is not a permanent condition. With consistent lifestyle changes, reversal is possible. Weight loss, regular physical activity, reduced intake of refined carbohydrates and fats, and higher protein consumption can all contribute to improved liver health.”

Many people follow what appears to be a reasonable eating pattern—meals at irregular hours, a light breakfast skipped in the name of time, and dinner pushed late into the evening. Yet the body, particularly the liver, does not respond well to such improvisation. What feels like a manageable routine on the surface can quietly accumulate into something more serious over months and years. The liver needs a consistent flow of nutrients to do its job, which includes managing blood sugar, breaking down fats, and supporting digestion. Long gaps between meals disrupt that rhythm.

Dr Babu U V, Director of R&D, Research & Development Centre, Himalaya Wellness Company, in an interview with Health and Me, spoke about the early symptoms of liver damage and explained how herbs can play a role in reversing it.

Symptoms of Early Liver Damage

Before most people realise that something is wrong with their liver, they may already be experiencing symptoms that indicate potential liver issues. These symptoms may include fatigue, bloating, digestive discomfort, or feeling heavy after eating. Most of the time, these signs are dismissed as minor concerns.

When these issues are ignored or go unnoticed, it becomes difficult to recognise that the liver may be weakened by stress and not functioning optimally. If these problems persist over time, fat can begin to accumulate in the liver, along with other types of metabolic imbalances throughout the body.

To restore balance in the body, small changes in daily habits can lead to significant improvements. For example, eating at regular intervals helps the body maintain a consistent metabolism. Similarly, having lighter dinners and avoiding late-night eating can support better digestion and metabolism of food.

Herbs That Strengthen Liver Health

Some herbs commonly used in Indian households and traditional medicine may help support the liver’s healing process, especially when it is under stress.

1. Bhumi Amla (Bhumyamalaki) has been used for centuries in traditional remedies for liver health. It supports the body’s natural detoxification processes and liver function.
2. Punarnava is another well-known herb that promotes both liver and kidney health. It is believed to help reduce inflammation and restore balance in the body.
3. Turmeric (Haldi), found in almost every Indian kitchen, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It supports metabolism and helps the body respond to oxidative stress.
4. Chicory (Kasani) has long been associated with liver support. It helps the body manage toxin-related stress and supports overall liver function.

Each of these herbs works in different ways—some aid digestion, while others help neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress—thereby supporting a healthier lifestyle.

The liver is highly resilient; however, it requires consistent care. An irregular dietary pattern may not affect the liver immediately, but over time it can have a significant impact. Paying attention to simple habits—such as when and how you eat—and choosing foods that support liver health can go a long way in maintaining optimal liver function over the long term.

World Liver Day 2026 is observed every year on April 19 to raise awareness of the importance of liver health, focusing on preventing diseases such as cirrhosis and fatty liver through healthy lifestyles.

The liver is a key organ that filters blood, breaks down food, stores energy, and keeps the human body in balance.

However, rising metabolic risk factors, including high blood sugar and obesity, are increasingly driving cases of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Nearly one-third of the global adult population today lives with MASLD, which can remain asymptomatic for years but turn into deadly scarring (fibrosis), cirrhosis (advanced fibrosis and loss of some of the liver function), or even liver cancer.

World Liver Day: Origin

The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) launched World Liver Day in 2010. The day was established on April 19 to commemorate the EASL's founding in 1966.

World Liver Day 2026: Theme

This year, 2026, the World Liver Day theme is “Solid Habits, Strong Liver”. It emphasizes building consistent lifestyle habits, such as balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding alcohol, and routine check-ups, to strengthen liver health and prevent diseases.

Burden Of Liver Diseases

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zklb3ZCyX2o

From filtering toxins to aiding in digestion and metabolism, the liver silently performs over 500 crucial functions in the body. The organ is also blessed with the ability to regenerate itself.

Yet data shows that 2 million lives worldwide are lost each year to liver disease. About 1.5 billion people suffer from chronic liver disease.

MASLD, formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has emerged as the most common liver condition worldwide. These patients suffer from either obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, or cholesterol problems.

According to a recent study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology journal, MASLD affected 1.3 billion people around the globe in 2023.

The alarming study estimates the numbers to further spike by over 38 percent to reach 1.8 billion cases by 2050, causing substantial health and economic impacts worldwide.

MASLD remains one of the most prevalent and rapidly growing liver conditions worldwide, with its prevalence marking a 143 percent increase between 1990 and 2023.

Also read: Why Regular Scans Are Crucial for Liver Cancer Patients: Doctors Explain

People with obesity, diabetes, central or abdominal fat, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance are more likely to have MASLD. Obesity is the strongest risk factor, with the likelihood rising steeply from overweight to severe obesity.

Other signs to watch for include

• persistent fatigue
• Digestive issues and bloating
• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Skin changes

Everyday Habits That Harm The Liver

Certain lifestyle choices can accelerate liver damage, such as:

• Overeating processed or fried foods
• High sugar intake (soft drinks, sweets, desserts)
• Physical inactivity or prolonged sitting
• Ignoring health issues like diabetes or hypertension
• Crash dieting or taking unprescribed supplements.

How To Improve Liver Health?

Early screening and detection are key to prevent irreversible stages. Yet liver disease can be prevented with lifestyle changes such as:

• Eating a balanced diet with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein
• Engaging in at least 30 minutes of exercise daily
• Staying hydrated to help the liver flush out toxins
• Avoiding alcohol and smoking
• Avoiding self-medication and unnecessary pills
• Getting routine health screenings.