- International Fatty Liver Day, observed annually in June, aims to raise awareness about liver health. This year’s theme, “Act Now, Screen Today,” underscores the urgency of early detection.
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
- Historically, liver diseases were primarily linked to excessive alcohol use. However, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now a growing concern.
- NAFLD has been reclassified as Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), highlighting its link to metabolic health, cardiac health, and cancer risk.
- The prevalence of MASLD is alarming, with an estimated global rate of 25-30%.
- A 2022 meta-analysis revealed a 38.6% prevalence of fatty liver among Indian adults and around 36% among obese children.
- Excessive consumption of refined carbs and sugars worsens metabolic problems, leading to insulin resistance and fatty liver.
- Insulin resistance disrupts normal metabolism, causing excess glucose to be converted into fatty acids and stored in the liver, resulting in fatty liver and potentially more severe conditions like steatohepatitis and cirrhosis.
- Fatty liver disease often goes undetected in its early stages.
- The liver is a silent organ that often shows no signs of damage until it’s advanced.
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