Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 08 Dec 2024
Lifestyle, Genetics, and Fatty Liver Disease: The Deadly Combination You Need to Know
Fatty liver disease happens when your body deals with the excess by turning some of the calories into fat
Fatty liver disease, caused by a buildup of fat in the liver, is fast becoming a global health issue, affecting people of all ages and genders. According to doctors, even though there are many causes of fatty liver disease, researchers believe genetics and changes in lifestyle are the top reasons.
“This condition, characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver, is often linked to poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and obesity. However, genetics plays an equally critical role, with certain populations predisposed to metabolic abnormalities that exacerbate the risk,” Dr. Aravind Badiger, Technical Director of BDR Pharmaceuticals, told Times Now.
How does your lifestyle cause fatty liver disease?
According to Dr. Badiger, various lifestyle issues like drinking too much alcohol and eating too much junk food can lead to this serious, life-threatening disease. It happens when your body deals with the excess by turning some of the calories into fat, which is then stored in liver cells. When fat makes up more than 5-10 per cent of the total weight of your liver, you have a fatty liver.
“Fatty liver disease is an escalating global health concern, particularly in India, where lifestyle choices and genetic predispositions converge to create a silent epidemic. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent progression to cirrhosis or liver cancer,” said Dr. Badiger.
“Regular monitoring of liver function tests and imaging studies is essential, especially for high-risk individuals. With the right combination of lifestyle changes, targeted medications, and genetic screening, the burden of FLD can be mitigated, ensuring a healthier future for at-risk populations,” he added.
Diets high in fructose, a type of sugar, may also increase the risk as it cause changes in the makeup of your gut bacteria, or microbiome.
Genetic causes that lead to fatty liver disease
According to various studies, many genetic changes have been identified that are associated with the development of fatty liver disease. Among these is a particular variation in the PNPLA3 gene, which provides instructions for making a protein called adiponectin, found in fat cells and liver cells.
Another study has verified the existence of inheritable forms of the condition, which in particular may be due to a mutation in a specific gene, ABHD5.
You are also likely to have fatty liver disease if you:
- Are overweight or have obesity
- Have type 2 diabetes
- Have insulin resistance
- Have high levels of triglycerides
- Have low HDL or good cholesterol
Treatment of fatty liver disease
Experts would usually recommend weight loss and physical activity to treat fatty liver disease. According to data from the National Institutes of Health, losing at least 3-5 per cent of body weight can reduce fat in the liver, while losing 7-10 per cent of body weight can reduce liver inflammation and fibrosis.
“From a pharmaceutical perspective, managing fatty liver disease requires a comprehensive approach. While lifestyle modifications such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and weight management remain the cornerstone of treatment, pharmacological interventions are gaining prominence,” said Dr. Badiger.
“Emerging therapies targeting insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism, such as pioglitazone and vitamin E, have shown promising results,” he added.
Also, if you have complications from cirrhosis, a doctor might recommend treatments like:
- Medications to lower blood pressure or remove fluid from the body if you have portal hypertension.
- Medications to lower toxins in the brain
- Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections
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