Unfortunately the term “lifestyle” disease infers choice, and blame; with a large proportion of the population affected, good public health policy is required. Yet with adequate information, support, resources and effort, individuals can improve their metabolic profile and risk of chronic disease.
“Fatty liver” is on the increase – it is a descriptive term for healthy liver tissue being replaced by fat, much like a goose’s liver being readied for pate. It is a marker for metabolic risk, but is can also lead to severe liver disease and even cirrhosis.
A fatty liver is suspected by abnormal liver function tests; it has no symptoms. You don’t have to be obese to have fatty liver; some people are just a little overweight. It is more common with age. Assessment includes ultrasound scanning and excluding other causes through history, examination and often other tests. A liver biopsy provides a definitive diagnosis, but this is not frequently performed. Often, lifestyle adjustments result in normalisation of liver function tests. The trouble is keeping the liver healthy in the long term.
- Aim for a healthy body weight, and reduce your amount of tummy fat. A loss of 10 per cent of your body weight can have great benefits. The diet should be lower in calories, saturated fat, glycaemic index and processed foods. A Mediterranean-style diet is suitable. Keeping active is important.
- Watch your intake of liver toxins, especially alcohol, and medications such as over-the-counter painkillers.
- Modify the sugars in your diet, especially fructose. Avoid fruit juices, and space fruit intake throughout the day.
- Control other metabolic risk factors such as diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, trigylcerides and smoking.
- See your doctor for metabolic checks – blood pressure, weight, waist circumference, blood sugar; especially if there is a family history of metabolic diseases. Your blood tests should also be monitored.
All the best for Christmas and the New Year – enjoy a few treats but look forwards, to a healthier you.
