Work sometimes works against good health, and the C-suite is not immune. The pressures placed on CEOs and other high-status executives often create chronic stress and fatigue. Demanding schedules leave little time or motivation to prioritize well-being. And while the 3-martini lunch has faded into history, frequent long-haul travel, business dinners, and 24/7 demands can lead to a cluster of factors (high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity) closely linked to fatty liver disease.

In fact, the incidence of fatty liver disease, known as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD), has “soared” over the past three decades and affects 30% of American adults. Analysis of data from a National Health and Nutrition survey conducted by the NCHS and CDC revealed that fatty liver disease rose from 16% in 1988 to 37% in 2018, an increase of 131%.¹

Unfortunately, MAFLD is a silent disease, with vague symptoms like fatigue or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen. Elevated liver enzymes (ALT and AST) detected in a blood test are often the first sign of a liver condition. Test results may prompt further assessment via ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or a liver biopsy to determine if damage has progressed to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even cancer.

Are there risk factors? Both a lack of regular exercise and a diet high in sugars and fats increase the likelihood of becoming overweight, a key risk factor for fatty liver disease. Desk-bound executives often sit for extended periods, which is strongly linked to metabolic risk.^2. Individuals in any sedentary job, such as IT employees, are at risk for MAFLD even if they play tennis on the weekend.

Fortunately, fatty liver can be reversed. Dr. Ira M. Jacobson, director of Hepatology at NYU Langone, emphasizes, “In people who are sedentary, simply starting to exercise reduces the amount of fat in the liver….” He adds, “Trimming body weight by as little as 3% can decrease the degree of fat deposition in the liver, a 5% to 7% loss can reduce inflammation, and a 10% drop can actually start to reverse scarring.”³ Diet plans that help include the traditional Mediterranean diet, which is based on whole foods in their natural state.

While this post is not intended as medical advice, CEOs who maintain good health are shown to be more effective leaders. Well-being affects decision-making, resilience, stamina, and the culture of their organization.⁴ As the founder of 7Summit Advisors, good health is a priority.

1. nbcnews.com/health/health-news/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease-rates-are-soaring-know-rcna89623
2. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22437-non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease
3. nyulangone.org/news/five-things-you-should-know-about-nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease
4. forbes.com/sites/julianhayesii/2025/07/16/why-ceo-health-is-the-leadership-kpi-that-drives-everything-else