KUALA LUMPUR — Fatty liver disease, formally known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is becoming a major health issue as sedentary lifestyles and high-calorie diets gain prevalence.
Dr. Lee Wai Kin, a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Gleneagles Hospital Penang, warns that fatty liver disease poses serious risks, including liver inflammation, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer.
The liver is essential for detoxifying the body and processing nutrients, but excessive fat buildup in this vital organ disrupts these functions.
Those most at risk include individuals with obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, as well as those who consume alcohol excessively.
Dr. Lee notes that many with fatty liver disease are unaware of their condition, often discovering it incidentally during routine blood tests or imaging scans.
Symptoms, if they appear, are generally mild, such as fatigue or discomfort in the upper abdomen. However, in more advanced stages, patients may experience jaundice, abdominal swelling, and vomiting blood due to ruptured veins in the esophagus.
Diagnosing fatty liver disease involves a combination of blood tests to rule out other causes, imaging scans, and in some cases, a liver biopsy to assess the extent of scarring.
While there is no direct treatment, lifestyle modifications can play a significant role in managing and even reversing the condition.
Dr. Lee recommends a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Limiting alcohol and sugary beverages is crucial to reducing liver strain, and regular exercise, even light activities like walking, can help manage weight and improve liver function.
For those with fatty liver disease, ongoing monitoring and regular health screenings are essential to detect any progression.
In cases where symptoms escalate, such as abdominal pain, swollen legs, confusion, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, medical attention should be sought promptly.
Fatty liver disease, while often silent, has serious implications, and early intervention through lifestyle adjustments is vital to ensuring long-term liver health.
Source: https://bebasnews.my/2024/11/11/rising-cases-of-fatty-liver-disease-highlight-the-need-for-lifestyle-changes/
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