J Sport Health Sci

Combined aerobic-resistance exercises best for lowering liver fat

January 26, 2026

A systematic review and network meta-analysis of 24 randomized trials (961 participants) evaluated which exercise types and doses most effectively reduce hepatic steatosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Combined aerobic–resistance exercise ranked highest, requiring only 130 metabolic equivalents (MET)‑min/week to achieve a clinically meaningful benefit. A nonlinear dose–response curve showed steatosis improvement beginning at 460 MET‑min/week, becoming cost‑effective at 630, and plateauing around 850 MET‑min/week. Optimal weekly doses varied by regimen: 640 MET‑min for combined training, 880 for high‑intensity circuit training, and 590 for moderate‑intensity continuous training. High‑intensity interval training provided progressive benefit, while resistance‑only training required >640 MET‑min/week.

Clinical takeaway: Combined aerobic–resistance training is the most efficient option, achieving meaningful MASLD improvement at comparatively low exercise doses.

Source:

Tan X, et al. (2026, January 12). J Sport Health Sci. Dose‒response relationship between exercise and hepatic steatosis: A systematic review with Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41534763/