Preventing muscle loss in liver cirrhosis

A research team in Japan carried out a study exploring the relationship between physical activity and sarcopenia in patients with chronic liver disease.⁵

Activity can prevent loss of muscle mass

When the researchers asked the patients about their physical activity levels, they found that the patients suffering from sarcopenia were considerably less active. The group with sarcopenia were half as physically active as the group without. The group with sarcopenia also spent considerably more time lying or sitting a day. ⁵

Getting the recommended levels of exercise

Studies have shown that moderate exercise can prevent sarcopenia.⁴ Preventing sarcopenia is particularly essential for patients with chronic liver disease, as sarcopenia can worsen disease outcomes.³ It is therefore important that patients with chronic liver disease ensure they get the levels of physical activity recommended by WHO.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults get at least 75 minutes of high-intensity physical activity or 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week.⁶

Speak to your heathcare team for further information and advice about exercise.

Find out more about other lifestyles changes you can make:

• Nutrition and healthy eating
• Managing diabetes
• Maintaining quality of life – get some expert tips