The obesity crisis is taking its toll on the liver with potentially deadly consequences. Research shows that 1 in 4 Canadians may be affected by liver disease due primarily to the rapidly rising prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease linked to obesity, lack of physical activity and poor eating habits. This progressive disease is predicted to overtake hepatitis C as the leading cause of liver transplants.
A review of current liver disease data reveals that as much as 20 per cent of the Canadian population has fat build-up in their livers. “Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease” or NAFLD is a term used for the condition that varies in severity from simple fat accumulation with no inflammation to its most advanced stage that involves inflammation and fibrosis. From this advanced stage, a person can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure.
“A diet full of sugar, high calorie and high fat foods can lead to excess fat being stored in the liver,” explains Dr. Yoshida, Chairman of the Canadian Liver Foundation’s Medical Advisory Committee. “This fat build-up might never impact the functioning of the liver but it is the first step toward what could be a life-threatening condition”.
If left unchecked, NAFLD has the potential to develop into cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure. The good news is that NAFLD can often be prevented, or even reversed if it is detected before permanent liver damage has occurred.
Read also:
Aerobic Fitness May Protect Liver Against Alcohol-Related Damage;
Love Your Liver This Festive Season
View the video below or visit www.liver.ca/tooclose4comfort to learn more on the facts about liver disease.
Source: PRNewswire
Cover image: news.yale.edu
