Common myths about fatty liver disease and their correction

Myths About Fatty Liver Disease:

Myth 1: Fatty liver is a rare disease

Fact: Your risk of developing fatty liver increases dramatically, as it’s the second most common cause of liver disease requiring transplantation.

Myth 2: Obese people are at risk of developing fatty liver

Fact: Only 34% of patients with fatty liver are obese and the rest are of normal weight.

Lean patients with fatty liver disease have more visceral fat and an abnormal fat burning rate. They are also more likely to develop serious liver disease such as those who are obese.

Myth 3: Fatty liver is primarily a condition of the liver

Fact: Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease are all associated with fatty liver. It is also associated with gastrointestinal neoplasms, osteoporosis, psoriasis, sleep apnea and various hormonal problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

Recent studies indicate that fatty liver is the main cause of diabetes, insulin resistance and chronic kidney disease as well as being a marker of the aforementioned diseases.

Myth 4: Abdominal pain and yellow eyes are the only symptoms

Fact: Fatty liver disease develops gradually. Most people have no symptoms. They may experience symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and pain in the right side of the stomach.

Not all cases of fatty liver disease can be detected by direct liver function tests. Abdominal ultrasonography can reveal a fatty liver, but other procedures, such as fluorography and liver biopsy, are needed to accurately determine the severity of liver damage.

Myth 5: You don’t need medical advice to treat fatty liver

Fact: Multidisciplinary management of fatty liver disease is essential. Expert consultation is essential to accurately assess the degree of liver injury, predict progression and prognosis, rule out alternative causes of liver disease, tailor treatment to unique risk profiles, and manage severe liver disease if detected.

Myth 6: Losing weight is the best treatment for fatty liver

The percentage of fat in the liver decreases and slows down with sustained weight loss of 7-10% of body weight. Today, many different treatment options are available, including targeted lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical approaches to controlling obesity.

Lifestyle changes include avoiding unhealthy meals and exercising more frequently and in moderation.