Eating well, keeping active and maintaining a healthy weight can help protect your liver.
These habits can help prevent or slow down metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). MASLD happens when too much fat builds up in the liver. Over time, this can damage the liver.
Being overweight, having type 2 diabetes and not being physically active can increase your risk of MASLD.
You can reduce your risk by:
- eating a healthy, balanced diet
- keeping to a healthy weight
- being physically active
- keeping alcohol within recommended limits
Eat well
Try to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, wholegrains and other high-fibre foods.
Include protein such as beans, pulses, fish, eggs and lean meat.
Try to eat less food that is high in saturated fat, sugar and salt. Limit highly processed foods where you can.
Keep to a healthy weight
If you are overweight, losing some weight can improve your liver health.
You do not need to make big changes all at once. Small changes that you can keep doing over time can make a difference.
Be active
Regular physical activity can improve your liver health, even if you do not lose weight.
Try to move more during the day. Include activities that improve your fitness and muscle strength.
Alcohol and liver health
Drinking too much alcohol can damage your liver.
To reduce your risk, drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week. Try to spread your units across the week and have several alcohol-free days.
If you already have liver disease, your healthcare professional may advise you to avoid alcohol completely.
When to get support
Looking after your liver can also reduce your risk of other health problems, including heart disease and some cancers.
If you are worried about your liver health, or would like support with your diet or lifestyle, speak to your GP or healthcare professional.
Last reviewed: 06 August 2026