By
Dr. Sunil Kumar Marik, consultant gastroenterologist
Last
month was fatty liver awareness month, the theme for world fatty liver day 2026
is, SOLID HABITS, STRONG LIVER, this campaign focuses on four pillars; eating a
balanced diet, staying physically active, reducing alcohol intake and getting
regular liver checks to prevent condition like metabolic dysfunction associated
steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
What
is fatty liver disease
Fat
in the liver typically develops when a person consumes more fat and sugars than
his or her body can handle. This is more common in people who are overweight or
obese, but can also occur in adults with healthy body weights. If the fat
builds up to more than 5% of the liver, then the liver is considered to be a
fatty liver.
What
causes fatty liver disease
Fat
and sugars from a person’s diet are usually broken down by the liver and other
tissues. If the amount of fat or simple sugar intake exceeds what is required
by the body, fat is stored in the fatty tissue. Other reasons for accumulation
of fat in the liver could be the transfer of fat from other parts of the body
or the inability of the liver to change it into a form that can be eliminated.
Fatty
Liver Disease is also associated with a range of health issues including
obesity, high cholesterol levels and Type 2 diabetes.
Less
common causes include underactive thyroid, certain drugs, Polycystic ovary
syndrome (POS) and complications late in pregnancy which usually contribute to
acute Fatty Liver Disease.
Who
are at risk of fatty liver disease
Fatty
Liver Disease can affect anyone, but typically occurs in people who are
overweight and diabetic, with high cholesterol levels. The average age of those
with NAFLD is around 50, with more cases found among men than women, although
it can also be found in children. It is important to test liver function in
children and adolescents because insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction
begin in childhood. While research is advancing rapidly, there are currently no
specific drug treatments for NAFLD or NASH, but early detection and lifestyle
changes, can help immensely.
Stages
of NAFLD
NAFLD,
the most common form of Fatty Liver Disease, may unfold over many years, with
no harm to your health. Without symptoms or pain, we often do not even realise
we have it. The danger is that left unchecked, there is a possibility that over
time the liver may become inflamed (any inflammation of the liver is called
hepatitis). This condition, called Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), may
cause swelling of the liver and you may suffer symptoms such as fatigue, loss
of appetite, sudden and unexpected weight-loss, abdominal discomfort, jaundice
(yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes), very itchy skin, weakness and
confusion. Ongoing inflammation leads to a build-up of scar tissue in your
liver, known as fibrosis, which can lead to cirrhosis. By identifying NASH
early, your doctor will have a good chance of preventing or reversing any
scarring (fibrosis).
Treatment
of fatty liver disease
- If
you are overweight, start a weight management program that aims to lose around
half to one kilogram per week.
- Increase
your physical activity with aerobic and resistance exercise at least five days
a week. This could be a brisk half-hour walk and low impact weight training.
- We
should all aim to eat a balanced, healthy diet that is low in fat, sugar and
calories and high in fibre. Reducing the size of food portions/serves can also
help. Your doctor or dietician can devise a well-balanced, nutritious healthy
eating plan just for you.
- Lower
your triglycerides (fat in the blood) through a balanced diet, and/or
medication prescribed by your doctor.
- Look
after your diabetes if you have it.
- Avoid/reduce
alcohol intake, as it is toxic to liver tissue.
- Try
not to smoke.
- Only take drugs your doctor has prescribed for you.
- Get
regular check-ups from a doctor who specializes