2023-09-22 19:18:00
The prevalence of fatty liver in the region is one of the highest worldwide (Getty)
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a general term for a variety of liver conditions that affect people who drink little or no alcohol. As the name suggests, the main characteristic of NAFLD is excess fat stored in liver cells.
It is the most common chronic liver disease in the world: its global prevalence is 30% and is increasing worldwide.
In the United States, between 75 and 100 million people have NAFLD, and the numbers continue to rise. Hispanics are among the most affected, experts say.
Dr. Blanca Lizaola-Mayo is the medical director of the Mayo Clinic Liver Transplant Center in Arizona, and highlighted that “it is known that Hispanics have a genetic predisposition to develop fatty liver disease, in particular, Mexicans, compared to with other Latin American countries.”
A recent WHO report establishes that, if concrete measures are not taken to change the current and future reality, by 2030, 27.2% of children between five and nine years old will be obese (Getty)
“A report states that 48% of the Hispanic population in the United States has fatty liver disease, meaning that almost half of Hispanics living in the United States have metabolic syndrome and fatty liver disease, and many do not even They know it,” added the specialist.
Specialists consider this pathology a “silent disease” because, in general, it does not present symptoms. However, as it progresses, it can cause feelings of weakness, loss of appetite, and nausea.
Some individuals with NAFLD may develop nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an aggressive form of fatty liver disease, which is characterized by inflammation of this organ and can progress to advanced scarring (cirrhosis) and liver failure. This damage is similar to the damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
The Mayo Clinic expert highlighted that “NAFLD is also increasing in children.” It is currently the most common liver disease in children in the United States, affecting approximately eight million children and adolescents.
The diagnosis is made through a blood test, in which the levels of liver enzymes are measured (Getty)
“We believe it is related to the lack of exercise and physical activity,” Lizaola-Mayo said in that sense. We see more children watching television and playing video games instead of playing outside. And your diet is also very important.”
To avoid non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, experts recommend maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, and exercising regularly.
And they stressed that if detected in time, only lifestyle changes can control or even reverse the accumulation of fat in the liver.
The diagnosis is made through a blood test, in which the levels of liver enzymes are measured, an indicator that can help determine the level of risk. If the doctor considers it, it may be necessary to perform more tests to determine the diagnosis.
The main characteristic of NAFLD is excess fat stored in liver cells
Experts don’t know exactly why some people accumulate fat in their liver while others don’t. Similarly, it is not completely understood why some fatty livers develop inflammation that progresses to cirrhosis.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis are related to some of these pre-existing factors:
– Overweight or obesity
– Insulin resistance
– High blood sugar (hyperglycemia), indicating prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
– High levels of fats, particularly triglycerides, in the blood
These combined health problems appear to promote fat deposition in the liver.
Sedentary lifestyle and obesity in children are some of the factors that explain the increase in cases (Getty)
Although, as stated, this type of pathology does not present symptoms until an advanced stage, there are some manifestations that those who suffer from it may present and that should be considered warning signs.
NAFLD usually causes no signs or symptoms. When you do, they may include:
– Fatigue
– Pain or discomfort in the upper right part of the abdomen
While possible signs and symptoms of NASH and advanced scarring (cirrhosis) include:
– Abdominal swelling (ascites)
– Enlarged blood vessels just below the surface of the skin
– Enlarged spleen
– Red palms
– Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
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