Fatty liver is a disease about which people often do not think seriously. Its name sounds so mild that many people ignore it. Initially, there is no significant pain or obvious symptoms, so it can remain hidden for years. Often, by the time symptoms clear up, significant damage to the liver has already occurred. Therefore, it is important to understand some common misconceptions and truths about fatty liver. Let us explain some of these misconceptions.
Does this happen only due to drinking alcohol?
The biggest misconception is that fatty liver occurs only in those who drink alcohol. However, the truth is that in most cases, it results in the form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This means that people who do not drink alcohol can also get this disease. Insulin resistance, obesity, poor diet and genetic factors play an important role in this. Gastroenterologist Dr Bhaskar Nandi told TOI that about 30 to 40 per cent of people in India suffer from NAFLD, and most of these patients also suffer from co-morbidities like diabetes, obesity or high cholesterol.
If weight is under control then there is no fatty liver.
Another common misconception is that a normal weight person cannot have fatty liver. However, doctors say that many thin looking people also have this condition, which is called Lean NAFLD. In fact, visceral fat that accumulates around the internal organs is not always visible from the outside.
assume everything is ok
Some people also believe that if liver enzymes are normal in the blood test, then everything is fine. However, experts say that even if there is fatty liver in the initial stage, enzymes like ALT and AST can remain normal. Therefore, it is not right to be completely sure on the basis of just one test.
Is fatty liver a minor problem and can it ever be cured?
Many people think that fatty liver is a minor problem and can be cured at any time. Although it can be controlled in the early stages, if ignored for a long time, it can lead to more serious conditions like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis and later cirrhosis. This can also cause liver failure and liver cancer.
Sugar is the cause if ignored
Fatty liver often has mild symptoms rather than severe pain, which people often ignore. Such symptoms include persistent fatigue, heaviness in the right side of the abdomen, darkening of the skin around the neck or sudden increase in fat around the abdomen. Eating too much sugar is not the only cause of this problem. Refined carbohydrates, lack of physical activity, stress, poor sleep and irregular eating habits also increase its risk.
