FATTY LIVER DISEASE - SCI
& TECH
News: Tackling the fatty liver disease epidemic
What's in the news?
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Recently, International Fatty Liver Day 2024 was
celebrated as in the month of June.
Key takeaways:
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There is a close link between fatty liver disease
and metabolic syndrome, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and
abnormal cholesterol levels.
International Fatty
Liver Day 2024 - June 13
Theme for International
Fatty Liver Day 2024 – ‘Act Now, Screen Today‘.
Significance of the Day:
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A day to raise awareness of fatty liver disease
which affects more than 115 million
people around the world.
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This is expected to increase to 357 million by
2030.
Fatty Liver Disease:
●
Fatty liver disease occurs when fat accumulates in
the liver.
○
The liver is the largest organ inside the body.
○
It is closely connected to metabolic health, cardiac health, and cancer risk.
Impact of Fat:
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Excessive fat in the liver can lead to
inflammation, causing damage and scarring.
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In severe situations, this scarring can result in
liver failure.
Types of Fatty Liver
Disease:
1. Nonalcoholic Fatty
Liver Disease (NAFLD):
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It affects individuals who consume little to no
alcohol.
2. Alcoholic Fatty Liver
Disease (Alcoholic Steatohepatitis):
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It arises when fat builds up due to excessive
alcohol consumption.
Incidence of Fatty Liver
Disease in India:
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According to an AIIMS study, In India, Around 38%
of Indians have fatty liver or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
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In another AIIMS study, there were reports of 67
per cent deaths among patients with antituberculosis drug-related acute liver
failure.
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This disease is affecting nearly 35 percent of the
children too.
Reclassification:
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The condition is now known as ‘Metabolic
dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease’ (MASLD).
Global Prevalence:
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This disease affects 25-30% of the global
population.
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MASLD is closely linked to obesity, diabetes, high
blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels.
India’s Statistics:
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In 2022, a study showed that 38.6% of Indian adults
and 36% of obese children had fatty liver.
Risk Factors for Fatty Liver
Disease:
1. Obesity:
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Being overweight, especially around the abdomen,
raises the risk of fatty liver disease.
2. Type 2 Diabetes and
Insulin Resistance:
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People with diabetes or pre-diabetes are more prone
to developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
3. Insulin Production:
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Excess glucose leads to high insulin levels,
causing insulin resistance.
4. Fat Storage:
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Insulin resistance promotes the storage of fatty
acids in the liver, leading to fatty liver disease.
5. Diet and Lifestyle:
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A diet high in sugar and processed foods.
6. Physical Activity:
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Low levels of physical activity contribute to fatty
liver.
7. Digestive Issues:
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Problems with digestion also play a role.
8. High Blood
Cholesterol and Triglycerides:
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Blood Lipids - Elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels can
lead to fatty liver.
9. Genetic Factors:
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Some individuals may have a genetic tendency to
develop fatty liver.
10. Disease Progression:
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Over time, fatty liver can develop into
steatohepatitis and cirrhosis, which may require a liver transplant.