"Studies show that, based on a combination of environmental and genetic factors, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is prevalent in 9 to 53 percent of the general population. Currently known as Metabolically associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), is a public health problem in India: obesity, abdominal obesity, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia, collectively called metabolic syndrome, are the predisposing factors "said Dr Bhaskar Nandi, Chief Defense Officer, Gastroenterology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.
"Genetic inclination towards insulin resistance contributes significantly to the prevalence of NAFLD development among the Indian population," he added.
It is widely prevalent and a quietly progressive disease and has become a leading cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer and is a common reason for liver transplants in India.
"NAFLD is asymptomatic until it manifests as cirrhosis in late stages. It is usually diagnosed incidentally by ultrasound or during evaluation for abnormal liver function tests (LFT). Some patients may experience subtle discomfort in the upper right part of the liver. abdomen," Dr. Nandi said.
"As the disease progresses to cirrhosis, general health problems arise, poor health, lack of appetite and features of liver decompensation or portal hypertension such as ascites (water in the abdomen), jaundice, blood in vomit, altered sensory , kidney dysfunction and sepsis," he warned, adding that "advanced forms of NAFLD can lead to liver cancer."
He also said that "metabolic disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and obesity also aggravate NAFLD and lead to cirrhosis. In turn, NAFLD is an adverse marker of metabolic disease outcome."
In addition to prompt treatment, he also recommended lifestyle modifications by reducing weight and strict abstinence from alcohol to treat NAFLD. He also highlighted the need to reduce sugar, fried foods, refined foods and excess butter and oil.
"Patients should try to reduce their weight by at least 10 percent, ideally over a year, through diet and exercise. A low-calorie Indian diet, including smaller portions of home-cooked meals, is recommended," Dr. Nandi said. .
"Focus on fruits, vegetables and legumes, while minimizing cereals and grains. Regular physical activity is strongly recommended, with 4-5 weekly sessions of 40-45 minutes each, combining cardiovascular and resistance training. Diets detox and protein supplements are not recommended," said the doctor.
"Genetic inclination towards insulin resistance contributes significantly to the prevalence of NAFLD development among the Indian population," he added.
It is widely prevalent and a quietly progressive disease and has become a leading cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer and is a common reason for liver transplants in India.
"NAFLD is asymptomatic until it manifests as cirrhosis in late stages. It is usually diagnosed incidentally by ultrasound or during evaluation for abnormal liver function tests (LFT). Some patients may experience subtle discomfort in the upper right part of the liver. abdomen," Dr. Nandi said.
"As the disease progresses to cirrhosis, general health problems arise, poor health, lack of appetite and features of liver decompensation or portal hypertension such as ascites (water in the abdomen), jaundice, blood in vomit, altered sensory , kidney dysfunction and sepsis," he warned, adding that "advanced forms of NAFLD can lead to liver cancer."
He also said that "metabolic disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and obesity also aggravate NAFLD and lead to cirrhosis. In turn, NAFLD is an adverse marker of metabolic disease outcome."
In addition to prompt treatment, he also recommended lifestyle modifications by reducing weight and strict abstinence from alcohol to treat NAFLD. He also highlighted the need to reduce sugar, fried foods, refined foods and excess butter and oil.
"Patients should try to reduce their weight by at least 10 percent, ideally over a year, through diet and exercise. A low-calorie Indian diet, including smaller portions of home-cooked meals, is recommended," Dr. Nandi said. .
"Focus on fruits, vegetables and legumes, while minimizing cereals and grains. Regular physical activity is strongly recommended, with 4-5 weekly sessions of 40-45 minutes each, combining cardiovascular and resistance training. Diets detox and protein supplements are not recommended," said the doctor.
