The Clock Thickens: Morning or Evening Training for the Treatment of NAFLD? (TikTac)

Inclusion Criteria: Age ≥ 45 years and ≤ 75 Obese (BMI > 27 kg/m2) Males and postmenopausal females Caucasian Hepatic steatosis defined as increased hyperechogenicity of the liver on abdominal ultrasound, CAP score on Fibroscan > 280, and/or histological signs of steatosis Sedentary lifestyle (maximum of 20 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day on less than three days per week) Written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Exclusion criteria for MRI (claustrophobia, pacemaker, metal implants, etc.) Any other liver disease than NAFLD/NASH Present excessive alcohol use defined as > 2 units/day Recent use (< 3 months) of antibiotics Recent changes in dosages of regular medication (< 3 months) Recent (< 3 months) weight change (>5%) Recent (< 3 months) substantial diet changes Cardiovascular co-morbidity defined as heart failure, coronary insufficiency and hypertension in past history Comorbidity that contraindicates exercise training and exercise testing or that affects exercise response and exercise capacity Ongoing or recent use of glucocorticoids, oral/transdermal hormonal substitution, paclitaxel, theofyllin, amiodarone, myelosuppresive agents A psychiatric, addictive or any other disorder that compromises the subjects ability to understand the study content and to give written informed consent for participation in the study Working night or alternating shifts, known sleeping disorders such as narcolepsy or insomnia