Chennai: Fatty liver disease gnaws into the system leisurely without exhibiting any external indications and ultimately damages the liver within a span of about 20 years. Fatty liver disease (FLD) is a metabolic syndrome in which the liver is unable to metabolise the abnormal amounts of fats. As a result, the surplus is stored in liver cells where it accumulates to become FLD.
"It is predominant in persons who are obese and without diabetes. In lean people, excessive stress and night duty could also be trigger factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In alcoholic fatty liver disease, the main cause is over consumption of alcohol," said Dr P. Basumani, senior medical gastroenterologist at Fortis Malar.
Side effects of certain medications like tamoxifen, Hepatitis C virus, weak genes and rapid weight loss can also cause FLD. Fat deposits lead to the enlargement of liver, inflammation and cirrhosis. If left untreated, the condition can lead to liver failure or necessitate transplantation, said Dr Basumani.
The only way to avoid any complication is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. "One should increase intake of proteins, green leaf and vegetables. Exercise is essential to improve liver's functioning," he said. The number of persons with FLD is on the rise in the state due to unhealthy lifestyles.
