World Liver Day 2024: What Is Fatty Liver Disease? Understand Symptoms, Causes, and Preventive Measures
World Liver Day 2024
World Liver Day 2024: An irreversible condition known as liver cirrhosis develops in about 10–20% of individuals with fatty livers. Additionally, some of them can get liver cancer.
Every year on April 19, people throughout the world observe World Liver Day to increase awareness of liver-related issues and to provide information on how to avoid, diagnose, and treat conditions like hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and liver cancer. The two most prevalent liver conditions among these are fatty liver and hepatitis. Studies show that up to 35% of Indians suffer from fatty liver. Although prevalent, fatty liver is not normal! An irreversible condition known as liver cirrhosis develops in about 10–20% of individuals with fatty livers. Additionally, some of them can get liver cancer.
What Is Fatty Liver?
Fatty liver disease is one of the most prevalent liver diseases that many individuals today suffer from as a result of serious lifestyle disorders, poor eating habits, and insufficient exercise.
“Fatty liver disease occurs when there is a continuous build-up of triglycerides or fat in the liver, which can cause inflammation and damage to the liver tissue in advanced stages,” stated Dr. Sujoy Maitra, a consultant gastroenterologist at Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is primarily brought on by an unhealthy lifestyle, weight gain or obesity, and diabetes, is currently the liver disease that needs to be most closely watched.”
Causes Of Fatty Liver
World Liver Day 2024: A condition associated with lifestyle is fatty liver. The chief consultant medical gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and advanced endoscopist at Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Dr. Adarsh C. K., stated that the common causes of this condition are obesity/overweight, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, thyroid illness, sedentary lifestyles, and certain medications.
“It typically exhibits no symptoms. However, it causes symptoms like leg edema, blood vomit/black stools, altered consciousness, and stomach pain and distension if it advances to liver cirrhosis, which is incurable,” he continued.
Risk Factors
World Liver Day 2024: Hepatitis B and C, alcohol use, and autoimmune disorders are only a few of the numerous risk factors linked to liver disease. However, the main risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver, the most common type of liver disease in the modern world, are weight increase, obesity, and diabetes.
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According to Dr. Sujoy Maitra, gaining weight causes insulin resistance, which in turn causes the body to produce too much insulin. This ultimately causes the liver to store fat or triglycerides, which can eventually lead to cirrhosis and inflammation of the liver.”
Speaking about cirrhosis, he stated, “It is a disease where damaged liver cells are replaced by scar tissue.” Liver failure, portal hypertension—which can result in gastrointestinal bleeding, fluid buildup in the abdomen, and liver cancer—are the primary complications of cirrhosis. The only option for survival once these problems start is a liver transplant.”
What Happens If Fatty Liver Progresses?
“If fatty liver disease progresses, it can lead to more severe liver damage and potentially develop into more serious conditions, like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is a severe form of liver inflammation characterized by liver cell damage, inflammation, and occasionally scarring (fibrosis) of the liver,” stated Dr. Rajiv Lochan J, Lead Consultant – HPB, Liver Transplantation & Robotic Surgery, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bengaluru.
Fibrosis is the buildup of scar tissue in the liver caused by prolonged inflammation and damage to the liver cells. This may worsen liver function and raise the possibility of developing cirrhosis.
“Cirrhosis is an advanced stage of liver disease characterised by extensive liver tissue scarring,” Dr. Rajiv stated. As cirrhosis worsens, the liver’s ability to function decreases, resulting in symptoms like jaundice, ascites, easy bruising or bleeding, and disorientation. This condition is known as decompensated liver disease, in which the liver, which provides all of the energy for other important organs, is essentially unable to do so.”
“This is a potentially fatal illness that necessitates immediate medical attention, including liver transplantation. There is a higher chance of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) in people with advanced fatty liver disease, especially in those with cirrhosis,” he continued.
It’s critical to keep a careful eye on the evolution of fatty liver disease and take preventative measures by leading a healthy lifestyle, controlling underlying illnesses like obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol, and getting treatment for any liver-related symptoms or problems. The advancement of fatty liver disease can be slowed or even reversed, and its complications can be avoided, with early detection and care.
Diet And Prevention
The liver is an important organ that helps with detoxification, produces bile to aid with digesting, and regulates metabolism, among other vital bodily tasks. Therefore, maintaining this organ is essential to preventing ailments linked to the liver as well as cardiovascular issues. The chance of developing liver disease may be reduced by preventing metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood fat.
“We have to maintain proper lifestyle, healthy diet, and avoid alcohol consumption, as it increases the chances of fatty liver,” stated Dr. Sujoy Maitra. Concerns over weight growth are prevalent in today’s society. It is important to remember that weight loss through exercise and diet plans is recommended if the body mass index is greater than 25 or if there is central obesity. Patients who have a history of diabetes should be managing their blood sugar levels. On the recommendation of the physician, medication should be begun if the liver test reveals an increase in liver enzymes suggestive of liver inflammation.”
Furthermore, nutrition has a critical role in both managing and preventing fatty liver.
According to research, fatty liver disease can be prevented and managed with a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, such as fatty fish that are high in 3-omega fatty acids, said Dr. Rajiv. On the other hand, a higher risk of fatty liver disease has been associated with diets heavy in added sugars, refined carbs, and saturated fats.”
“We should refrain from losing weight quickly because crash diets and quick weight reduction might exacerbate liver function and cause liver fat to build up. It is advised to lose weight gradually and sustainably by making lifestyle modifications in order to avoid fatty liver disease,” he continued.
