New Delhi: Apollo Hospitals released a report on World Health Day focusing on common health problems in India. In one of the sections talking about fatty liver, the report made some shocking disclosures with respect to the state of liver health in Indians. Turns out, 85% of the patients with this condition do not drink alcohol. But what is it that contributes to this gap? Read on to find out the two types of fatty liver and how they can be managed with lifestyle changes.
What is fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease is a condition characterised by excessive fat accumulation in the liver. It is of two types – alcoholic and non alcoholic. While the former is blamed on excessive alcohol intake, the latter is a consequence of binge eating foods high in saturated and trans fats. Doctors say that on the one hand, fatty liver is manageable and treatable, but on the other, leaving it as is for too long can lead to long-term damage, irreversible damage as well in the form of cirrhosis. Therefore, it is essential to perform ultrasound screenings timely manner to detect the condition before it progresses to cirrhosis.
The Apollo report noted that in 2024, 2.5 lakh people were screened for fatty liver, and 65% of them had fatty liver. 52% of the participants had normal liver enzyme levels. And when it comes to alcoholic fatty liver, it is a known risk, unlike non-alcoholic fatty liver. At present, the latter is more prevalent, and doctors say that it is also driven by health problems like diabetes and obesity.
How to reduce the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver?
According to doctors, the best ways of preventing NAFLD are:
- Eat healthy fats
- Limit intake of processed foods
- Avoid sweetened sodas
- Quit smoking
- Do regular workouts
- Meditation
- Go for regular health check-ups
Fatty liver disease is a condition characterised by excessive fat accumulation in the liver. It is of two types – alcoholic and non alcoholic. While the former is blamed on excessive alcohol intake, the latter is a consequence of binge eating foods high in saturated and trans fats. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
