Posted on October 28, 2025

October is Liver Awareness Month, a prime time to learn about one of the most common and reversible liver conditions: metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) (previously called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). While many people assume liver disease is tied to alcohol use, MASLD affects individuals regardless of alcohol habits. In fact, recent studies link sugary soda consumption to worse fatty liver outcomes and even liver cancer risk, making this condition increasingly relevant in today’s dietary landscape.

What Is MASLD and Why It Matters

MASLD affects up to 25% of adults and occurs when excess fat accumulates in liver cells in people who drink little to no alcohol. It’s often associated with obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome. While early stages tend to be silent (without symptoms), untreated MASLD can progress to inflammation, fibrosis, and sometimes cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Because the disease is gradual and asymptomatic at first, many people don’t realize they have MASLD until more serious damage has already occurred. 

Sugary Sodas, Fatty Liver & Cancer Risk: What the Latest Research Shows

The recent study mentioned above, which we reported on last month, highlighted a concerning link between regular intake of sugary sodas and sweetened beverages being associated with a greater risk of developing fatty liver and potentially accelerating its progression toward liver cancer. The research suggested that excess sugar, notably fructose, can enhance fat deposition in the liver, inflame liver tissue, and drive cellular changes that may increase cancer risk over time.

This evidence reinforces an important message: what you drink matters. Reducing or eliminating sugary sodas and sweetened drinks can be a powerful, actionable step in slowing or even reversing MASLD’s progression.

Can You Reverse MASLD?

Yes! And the liver is remarkably resilient when given the chance to heal. Here’s how reversal typically works:

• Weight Loss: Research suggests that losing just 7-10% of body weight can significantly reduce liver fat, inflammation, and scarring. Weight loss helps the liver metabolize stored fat more efficiently and improves insulin sensitivity.
  
• Dietary Adjustments: Focus on nutrient-dense foods like lean proteins, leafy greens, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats (like olive oil and omega-3s).
  • Limit processed carbs, fried foods, and sugary drinks.
  • A Mediterranean-style diet has been shown to reduce liver fat and inflammation.
  • Avoid crash dieting, which can actually worsen liver inflammation.
    
• Exercise: Moderate-intensity exercise (150 minutes per week) improves insulin sensitivity and helps reduce visceral fat, even without major weight loss. Both aerobic and resistance training offer measurable benefits.
  
• Metabolic Conditions: Treating diabetes, high cholesterol, and thyroid disorders is key. These conditions often overlap with fatty liver disease and can accelerate its progression.

With consistent changes, many patients see measurable improvement within six to twelve months, and some achieve complete reversal of early-stage fatty liver disease.

How Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology Helps

Our specialists offer advanced diagnostics like FibroScan®,  a noninvasive test that measures liver stiffness and fat levels, allowing us to track improvement and tailor treatment. With personalized weight management and metabolic care, we help patients reverse MASLD and protect long-term liver health.

Learn more about your liver health this October. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology and discover how our diabetes services and other endocrinology therapies can help you lead a full and active life, please contact us at (512) 458-8400 or request an appointment online.

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