Experts warn on dangers of fatty liver disease

HEALTH experts have urged Filipinos to have a change of lifestyle as around 18 million who are obese and overweight are in danger of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

In a web conference on Thursday, Philippine Society of Gastroenterology President Dr. Allan Policarpio said that fatty liver disease is a "little-known, potentially fatal condition" that could affect many people.

Dr. Edhel Tripon of the Hepatology Society of the Philippines said that there are two types of fatty liver disease: the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and the more advanced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, both of which are caused by too much fat in the liver cells.

Fatty liver disease is now the fastest-rising cause of liver cancer and liver cirrhosis across the globe.

Among the symptoms of fatty liver disease are jaundice or yellowing of eyes and skin, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, swollen abdomen and extreme tiredness.

Dr. Diana Alcantara-Payawal, president of the Philippine College of Physicians and a hepatologist, also said that cases of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis are now increasing in Asia, with an incidence rate of 27.37 percent.

Payawal said that the increase in the incidence of fatty liver disease can be attributed to lack of exercise and increased calorie intake.

In the Philippines, around 18 million Filipinos who are overweight or obese are susceptible to NAFLD, and Payawal said that some Filipinos may have fatty liver disease but remain unaware of it.

Tripon urged Filipinos to take care of their liver, noting that the organ is a "multi-tasking hard worker" that is fundamental to wellness.

Among the interventions that the experts have suggested are weight loss, avoiding alcohol and unnecessary medication, vaccination for Hepatitis A and B and regular wellness checkups.

" We need to raise awareness about how to avoid modifiable risk factors among adolescents and young adults. We need to increase the public's awareness about non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which would likely lead to better prevention, early detection and treatment of the disorder," HSP Vice President Dr. Wendell Espinosa said.

Source: TheManila Times