KARACHI:
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a term used for a range of conditions caused by a build-up of fat in the liver. It is more common among people who are either overweight or obese. In the early stages, NAFLD does not cause any harm; however, it can lead to serious liver damage if it gets worse. High levels of fat in one’s liver increase the risk of serious health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, etc. It also increases the risk of heart problems amongst those who already have diabetes. Early detection of NAFLD can help prevent the disease from getting worse and reduce the amount of fat in one’s liver.
Individuals who are overweight; have an underactive thyroid, metabolic syndrome; or addicted to smoking are at a higher risk of NAFLD. The main stages of NAFLD include simply fatty liver (steatosis), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Steatosis is a harmless build-up of fat in liver cells. Whilst, the more severe stage is cirrhosis, which occurs after years of inflammation, where the liver shrinks and becomes scarred and lumpy.
Some of the symptoms include aching stomach pain, extreme tiredness, weakness, unexplained weight loss, etc. To detect NAFLD, doctors usually suggest a liver function test or an ultrasound scan of the stomach. Most people with NAFLD do not develop serious problems and the condition can be treated with prescription medicines. However, liver transplants can be required in more severe cases. Relevant health authorities should raise awareness about NAFLD and prevention methods. People should adopt a healthy plant-based diet with whole grains and healthy fats. Also, people must maintain a healthy weight and adopt regular exercise, cycling, or jogging.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 25th, 2022.
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