Although many people believe that gaining weight is an inevitable consequence of modern life, there might be more going on here than meets the eye as fat accumulates around the abdomen. This seeming alteration can be an indicator to an underlying metabolic disorder, which might be able to prolong and covertly impact vital metabolic organs like the liver. Among all of these issues, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming more and more prominent as a condition with major health implications and a close connection to abdominal obesity.
When fat builds up in the liver in people who consume little or no alcohol, it can lead to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It currently affects millions of people of all ages and is thought to be the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Central obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and hyperlipidemia—all components of the metabolic syndrome—are closely linked to the disorder.
Visceral, or abdominal, fat has biological activity. It releases hormones and inflammatory substances that disrupt the liver’s and other organs’ regular functions. A series of metabolic disturbances can happen as the liver starts to retain fat in excess of what is typical. Steatosis, also known as fatty liver, is the accumulation of fat over time that can cause non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is inflammation and damage to the liver cells for wear. It can then lead to cirrhosis, fibrosis, and even liver cancer.
NAFLD can be a silent killer because it may not show any symptoms until it is well-established. A lot of cases are discovered by chance when we’re doing normal health checks or looking into other issues. Elevated liver enzymes on a blood test, fatty infiltration on ultrasonography, or a FibroScan measurement of liver stiffness might all raise suspicions of NAFLD. A liver biopsy may occasionally be required to confirm the diagnosis and assess the degree of liver damage.
Managing fatty liver disease focuses mainly on treating the causes. Importantly, the management of fatty liver disease comprises lifestyle changes such as:
Weight loss: Loss of 5–10% body weight can improve liver fat and inflammation. Weight loss should be gradual, because rapid weight loss can worsen liver function.
Dietary modifications: It is important that the diet is nutrient-dense and limits saturated fats, added sugar, and refined carbohydrates. The Mediterranean diet is nutrient-dense and consists of food such as vegetables, fruit, whole grain, lean protein, and healthy fats. This eating habits has shown great potential relevance to resolving fatty liver disease.
Regular exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity and decrease liver fat independent of weight loss.
Medical Management: No medication has been authorized expressly to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Guidelines are implemented for treating diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol in relation to fatty liver disease. For some patients, vitamin E and specific insulin-sensitizing medications may be taken into consideration.