In fatty liver, droplets of fat get stored in the liver which over prolonged periods can lead to hepatitis (Liver inflammation) and subsequent development of liver scarring (called as fibrosis) and liver cancer.The seriousness of fatty liver is often underrecognized by patients and most patients I meet usually downplay the disease thinking fatty liver is widely prevalent and seemingly innocent.
It is thus imperative for liver specialists like myself to identify this subset of patients of fatty liver who are at risk of developing liver scarring, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
With apt medical management and lifestyle changes, fatty liver can be cured.Lifestyle changes from the patient’s end would include abstinence from alcohol and consuming a calorie deficit diet.
Increasing the intake of fibre and protein also helps in attaining a balanced diet which helps with fatty liver disease .
Stress is often underrecognized in today’s fast paced life which can lead to inadequate sleep, improper and untimely eating habits ultimately leading to metabolic dysregulation and fatty liver disease.
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World Liver Day 2024: Expert answers frequently asked questions
(Dr Sandeep Satsangi, Senior Consultant Hepatologist & Liver Transplant Physician, Apollo Comprehensive liver care team, Apollo Hospital, Bannerghatta, Bangalore)
The incidence of liver disorders is rising steeply in India. As a hepatologist the more concerning trend I am noticing is of increasing incidence of liver ailments in younger individuals of the society. Based on my experience the predominant reasons linked to this trend are improper dietary patterns having higher calorie consumption, reduced brisk activity, excessive consumption of alcohol and higher stress levels.Improper dietary patterns relating to a higher carbohydrate consumption but lower fibre and protein intake can lead to the occurrence of fatty liver disease . In fatty liver, droplets of fat get stored in the liver which over prolonged periods can lead to hepatitis (Liver inflammation) and subsequent development of liver scarring (called as fibrosis) and liver cancer.The seriousness of fatty liver is often underrecognized by patients and most patients I meet usually downplay the disease thinking fatty liver is widely prevalent and seemingly innocent. However, a certain subset of patients, particularly those with abdominal obesity, diabetes, hypertension, improper cholesterol levels and those with family history of cirrhosis are at particular risk of progressive liver damage from fatty liver.Individuals with progressive liver damage from fatty liver would often display no specific liver related symptoms. This can have disastrous consequences as timely diagnosis is missed. It is thus imperative for liver specialists like myself to identify this subset of patients of fatty liver who are at risk of developing liver scarring, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. With apt medical management and lifestyle changes, fatty liver can be cured.Lifestyle changes from the patient’s end would include abstinence from alcohol and consuming a calorie deficit diet. Isolated fat restriction is a myth and calorie reduction from every source needs to be attained. Increasing the intake of fibre and protein also helps in attaining a balanced diet which helps with fatty liver disease . Brisk activity at least for 45 minutes a day plays a pivotal role in one’s lifestyle regimen.A basic heart evaluation is often recommended to individuals who were otherwise quite sedentary earlier to confirm their cardiac health is normal and apt to undertake the brisk activity and exercise regime. Stress is often underrecognized in today’s fast paced life which can lead to inadequate sleep, improper and untimely eating habits ultimately leading to metabolic dysregulation and fatty liver disease. Holistic approaches for stress management including yoga and meditation often help in combating the ill effects of a stressful lifestyle.In the bottom line I would like to emphasize that people should not take their fatty liver and liver health lightly or casually. Appropriate screening, timely diagnosis and apt management can drastically help in preventing progression of this silent disease.
