Fatty liver, or a fatty liver disease, occurs when excess fat builds up in your liver cells. This can happen due to various reasons, including heavy alcohol consumption, which specifically leads to Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD), or other factors like diabetes and high cholesterol. While obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for fatty liver, we asked an expert whether lean people can develop the condition too. Here’s what she had to say.
Obesity And Fatty Liver
Obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), which is a type of liver disease that affects people who drink little to no alcohol.
More than 25% of the global population suffers from NAFLD, of which 9–32% are from India, according to a study published in the Indian Journal of Community Medicine.
Researchers note that the condition is more prevalent in people who are overweight, obese, and diabetic (type 2 diabetes mellitus).
Also Read: Your Legs Can Signal A Fatty Liver Disease: Note THIS Warning Sign
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Can Lean People Also Develop Fatty Liver?
While often linked with obesity, fatty liver disease can also affect lean individuals, Dr Kavya Dendukuri, Senior Hepatologist, Kamineni Hospitals, L.B. Nagar, Hyderabad, tells the OnlyMyHealth team.
In fact, a study published in JHEP Reports found that NAFLD is becoming more common in people with normal weight, especially among Asian populations.
While still less severe than fatty liver in obese individuals, it's important to know that even small weight gain and factors like diet and genetics can contribute to NAFLD in lean people.
According to Dr Dendukuri, people who have health issues like insulin resistance, high blood sugar, or a history of eating a poor diet are at a greater risk of developing the condition.
Other factors include genetics, rapid weight loss, certain medications like corticosteroids, tamoxifen, and methotrexate, and poor gut health, she adds.
Symptoms To Watch Out For
Here are some of the common symptoms of fatty liver disease:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Upper-right abdominal pain or discomfort
- Elevated liver enzymes in the blood test
- An enlarged liver
“As the disease advances, it can lead to more severe symptoms and complications, such as ascites, jaundice, portal hypertension, liver scarring (fibrosis), liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer, warns Dr Dendukuri.
Also Read: Hepatic Steatosis: Here Are 5 Foods To Avoid For Fatty Liver
On Maintaining A Healthy Liver
The symptoms and progression of fatty liver disease may vary in people. In certain cases, a person may experience no symptoms at all, only to receive a diagnosis in the late stages. To minimise your risk, it is therefore important to maintain a healthy liver by adopting healthy lifestyle habits. Here are some recommendations to consider, as per Dr Dendukuri:
- Aim for a balanced diet and regular physical activity to prevent obesity and reduce the risk of fatty liver disease.
- Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting saturated fats, sugars, and processed foods.
- Moderate alcohol consumption, with up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men, is recommended.
- Regular exercise can help reduce liver fat and improve overall health.
- Managing conditions like diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure can also reduce the risk of a fatty liver.
- Limit exposure to toxins and pollutants, stay hydrated, and get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
- Practise safe behaviours to reduce the risk of hepatitis infections, and maintain regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor liver health and catch any issues early.
Conclusion
An untreated fatty liver can pose several health risks. In severe cases, it may even prove life-threatening. While obesity is a major risk factor for fatty liver disease, people with a normal weight should also remain vigilant, especially if they have risk factors such as insulin resistance, high blood sugar, or an unhealthy lifestyle.