Dan Marino Reveals Liver Disease Diagnosis: A Journey to Wellness
Dan Marino, the legendary former Miami Dolphins quarterback, has publicly disclosed his diagnosis with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a liver disease he has been managing since 2007. At 63 years old, Marino is now sharing his story to raise awareness about MASH and encourage others to prioritize their health.
The Diagnosis and Initial Response
In 2007, during a routine checkup, Marino learned that he had MASH, previously known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The condition is characterized by the accumulation of excess fat cells in the liver, potentially leading to inflammation, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Marino admitted that his diet and exercise routine had suffered after his retirement from the NFL in 2000.
"I wasn't really working out as much as I should... Then they told me I had a fatty liver. I had MASH," Marino shared.
Doctors advised Marino to focus on exercise and weight loss as crucial steps toward managing the disease. The initial diagnosis served as a wake-up call for the football icon to reassess his lifestyle choices.
A New Health Regimen
Today, Marino is dedicated to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He is participating in Novo Nordisk’s Unordinary Stories campaign to share his experiences and inspire others. His regimen includes nightly walks and bike rides with his wife, Claire, as well as regular gym sessions with former teammate Terry Kirby.
- Consistent exercise, including bike riding and walking.
- Careful attention to diet.
- Maintaining a routine and doing something active every day.
Dietary Changes and Long-Term Outlook
Marino has made significant dietary changes, focusing on a Mediterranean diet and limiting indulgences such as wine, pizza, candy, and ice cream. He believes that these changes are contributing to a positive prognosis. He undergoes regular ultrasounds to monitor his condition. He stated that the disease "hasn't changed," but he is on a regimen that the doctors are monitoring.
Marino remains optimistic about his future health. "It's the exercise, riding bike, walking, and diet, and then getting back to just being consistent — waking up and making sure you gotta do something every day," he explained.
Raising Awareness About MASH
Marino hopes his story will encourage others to get screened and treated for liver disease. He wants to use his platform to make a difference and emphasize that even professional athletes aren't immune to health challenges. Speaking on his feelings about the campaign, Marino said he wants to "get people aware of it, so maybe they can get treated and it can make a difference in their lives.”