Fatty Liver: In the last one or two decades, the risk of chronic diseases has increased rapidly across the world, in which the impact of diabetes and heart diseases is being seen the most. Apart from this, problems to liver and kidney are also increasing continuously. Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a disease which is spreading rapidly in the adult population and has now become a serious concern for the health sector. A recent study has given even more serious indications in this regard.
According to a study published in the Nature Communications Medicine journal, the number of fatty liver patients is continuously increasing across the world. In America alone, 4 out of every 10 people are suffering from the problem of fatty liver.
According to Dr. Juan Pablo Arabo, an expert at the Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health, people need to be more cautious about fatty liver disease and continuous efforts should be made to control it.
Research led by Dr. Juan has revealed that as of 2018, 42% of adults were found to have some type of fatty liver disease, which is much higher than previous estimates. Although there has been a perception about fatty liver that it mainly affects alcohol drinkers, but now this disease is spreading rapidly among non-drinkers also. This is called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
The risk of fatty liver disease has increased significantly in India also. In July 2024, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh had presented shocking figures, according to which every third person in India may have fatty liver problem. This disease is increasing rapidly especially due to diabetes and metabolic disorders.
In western countries, most cases of NAFLD are seen in people affected by obesity, but in India this disease is increasingly affecting people without obesity. According to estimates, about 20% people in India are falling prey to this disease even without being obese.
This is a liver disease, in which excessive fat starts accumulating in the liver. This affects the normal functioning of the liver. Although its causes are not fully known yet, experts believe that lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle may be the main reasons.
According to health experts, to prevent fatty liver, the most important thing is to control weight and eat a healthy diet. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats in your diet. Also, minimize the intake of alcohol, sugar and salt. Also avoid sugary beverages, such as soda, sports drinks and packaged juices, as excessive consumption of these can cause fatty liver.
Apart from this, exercise for at least 30 minutes daily to keep the liver healthy. Being physically active reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
