2. Maintain a healthy weight.

Among people with overweight or obesity, 20 percent to over 50 percent have Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). In his presentation, Raul Santos, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Lipid Clinic of the Heart Institute of the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, emphasized, "Liver fat increases insulin resistance and unhealthy blood sugars, low-grade inflammation, and blood triglycerides."

But Santos offered good news. "Robust evidence shows that weight loss of five percent or more reduces NAFLD, with even greater impact from a 10 percent or greater weight loss." So, instead of aiming for a target that can seem overwhelming, aiming to lose even 10 pounds and keeping it off can reduce risk of heart disease. Cutting just 200 to 400 calories a day and adding a short walk can accomplish this over time.

Tips:

--Drink more water, and swap sparkling water, unsweetened tea, or coffee for sugar-sweetened drinks.

--Serve up portions about three-quarters of the usual size for most foods other than vegetables. Wait and go back for more only if you're truly hungry.

--Take time for a brief walk or other activity, and you'll burn calories, and decrease liver fat and insulin resistance.

3. Limit added sugar.

Sugar-sweetened drinks and snacks are often identified as "empty calories" that should be limited to reach and maintain a healthy weight. But excess added sugars, especially in sugar-sweetened beverages, may increase risk of Type 2 diabetes even beyond the effects on weight. Evidence also suggests that high consumption of added sugars can raise blood pressure and blood triglycerides, and is linked with increased risk of stroke and heart disease.

How much is too much? The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 recommend less than 10 percent of calories from added sugars (200 calories or 50 grams per day for the average person). The AHA recommends even lower limits of no more than 100 calories (25 grams) per day for women and 150 calories (36 grams) for men.

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