Fatty liver disease, which is considered a “silent epidemic,” should not be ignored according to the Hepatology Society of the Philippines (HSP).
During the “Fatty Liver Facts: What You Need to Know About This Silent Epidemic” press conference on June 17, organized by the HSP, the silent epidemic reportedly affects millions around the world.
It has no symptoms at the early stages, which is why many people are unaware that they have it until it’s too late.
At least 18 million Filipinos are either suffering from or at risk of getting the disease.
“Fatty liver disease is a little-known, potentially fatal condition affecting many people,” noted Dr. Allan Policarpio, President of the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology.
“The public can learn about it by listening to experts.”
Two types
There are two types of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)—non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and the more advanced type known as the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
The main characteristic of both types is that too much fat is stored in the liver cells.
Having small amounts of fat in the liver is normal, but it becomes a problem if more than 5 percent to 10 percent of the liver’s weight is fat.
For her part, Dr. Edhel S. Tripon of HSP stated that fatty liver is the fastest rising cause of liver cancer and cirrhosis worldwide.
“People who are overweight, diabetic, or hypertensive are prone to developing fatty liver,” she said.
Protection tips
Dr. Tripon noted the following to protect ourselves against the disease:
• Lifestyle interventions aimed at weight loss are the main treatment;
• Avoid other liver “toxins;”
• Stop alcohol intake;
• Avoid unnecessary medication including herbals and over-the-counter pain medication;
• Vaccinate for Hepatitis A and B if not yet immune; and
• Seek regular wellness checkups
“The liver is a multitasking hard worker, so it is important to keep this organ as healthy as possible. A healthy liver is fundamental to wellness,” Dr. Tripon said as she stressed the importance of keeping the liver healthy.
Obese and overweight
The Philippines has over 18 million obese and overweight people. They are all susceptible to NAFLD, noted Dr. Diana Alcantara-Payawal, President of the Philippine College of Physicians. “Some of them may already have fatty liver disease but are unaware of it,” Dr.Alcantara -Payawal said.
Meanwhile, HSP Vice President Dr. Wendell Z. Espinosa said that to lower the risk of developing fatty liver disease there is a need to raise awareness about “how to avoid modifiable risk factors among adolescents and young adults.”
“We need to increase the public’s awareness about nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which would likely lead to better prevention, early detection, and treatment of the disorder,” Dr. Espinosa said.
Image credits: Skypixel _ Dreamstime.com