Amid rising cases of lifestyle diseases, fatty liver disease has become a growing concern. It often goes unnoticed until it becomes serious, a fact that worries many doctors. The main culprits? Excessive alcohol use, poor eating habits, obesity, and diabetes.
Doctors explain that fatty liver disease happens when too much fat builds up in the liver cells. It’s not just about alcohol; many people who don’t drink can also develop this condition. There are two main types: alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) from heavy drinking and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is linked to unhealthy lifestyles, metabolic issues, and genetics.
Recently, there has been a sharp rise in NAFLD, especially among young adults and even teenagers. The World Health Organization reported that NAFLD affects an estimated 25% of the global population, raising alarm bells among health experts.
Dr. Nav Jeevan states, “Fatty liver is often a silent disease.” Early symptoms can be vague—like mild fatigue, abdominal discomfort, or unexpected weight gain—making it easy to overlook. Many cases are only discovered during routine check-ups.
High cholesterol, uncontrolled diabetes, and high blood pressure can worsen the situation. Dr. Rajnish, a Senior Medical Officer, warns that untreated fatty liver can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), leading to serious liver damage and increased cancer risk over time.
Experts like Civil Surgeon Dr. Satinderjit Singh highlight that changes in diet and lifestyle in urban settings are major contributors. More public awareness about fatty liver is essential to prevent it from becoming a significant health challenge.
The good news? Fatty liver is largely preventable and reversible, especially in the early stages. Changes like reducing alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can improve liver health. Even losing 5 to 10 percent of body weight can have a positive impact.
Regular health check-ups are crucial, particularly for those with obesity, diabetes, or a family history of liver issues. Health professionals emphasize the importance of routine liver function tests to catch abnormalities early.
For more detailed advice on liver health, you can visit the American Liver Foundation.
The rise of social media discussions around liver health also shows that people are becoming more aware. Online trends indicate a growing conversation about diet and lifestyle choices. This awareness might be key to reducing fatty liver disease in the future.
