New Delhi . The problem of fatty liver is seen increasing rapidly. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, which occurs in people who do not consume alcohol, has recently been renamed as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). It has been described as the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and affects about 32 to 38 percent of the adult population.
Fatty liver is becoming a major health problem in India also. Here about 38 to 40 percent of adults are said to be affected by this disease. Generally, the risk of fatty liver is linked to overweight or obesity. This is why many people think that if the body is lean, weight is normal and the stomach is not protruding, then they cannot have fatty liver. However, this is not necessary.
According to health experts, accumulation of fat in the liver is not only related to obesity. Fatty liver problems can occur even in people of normal weight. Such cases have previously been known as lean fatty liver. Among the people affected with fatty liver, about 7 to 20 percent may be those whose body is lean. Even in India, fatty liver has been found in people with normal body mass index (BMI). Therefore, it is not right to consider the liver as healthy just by looking at the body structure.
Even in thin people, there can be many reasons which increase the risk of fat accumulation in the liver. These include conditions like insulin resistance, internal fat accumulation inside the abdomen and diabetes. Apart from this, triglyceride or cholesterol problems can also increase the risk. Genetic factors, alcohol consumption, certain medications and other liver related diseases can also cause fatty liver.
Having a normal BMI does not always mean that body fat is stored in the right places. Some people may appear thin on the outside, but may have excess fat around their abdomen or within their body. Metabolic risks such as diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides may also be associated with fatty liver. Therefore, it is important for even thin people to get themselves checked for these risks from time to time.
Fatty liver disease can sometimes begin without any obvious symptoms. If tests repeatedly show elevated liver enzymes or diabetes and other metabolic problems are present, testing for the risk of fatty liver should be done. Once the disease is confirmed, the liver condition and risk of fibrosis should also be examined as per the doctor's advice.
To prevent fatty liver, it is not necessary to lose weight only. It is important to maintain regular physical activity, a balanced diet and stay away from sugar and highly processed foods. Besides, it is also important to control diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol. With timely changes in eating habits and lifestyle, the risk of fatty liver can be reduced with the help of medicines if needed.