Study: 1 in 4 adults have a liver disorder caused by poor diet

By Mark Waghorn via SWNS

At least one-in-four adults are living with a liver disorder caused by over-eating, according to new research at the Oregon Health & Science University, Portland.

It often goes undiagnosed - and can lead to cardiovascular disease.

Known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), it is triggered when vast amounts of fat gather.

The life-threatening condition sometimes results in inflammation, scarring and even organ failure.

Prevalence could be even higher given the challenges in diagnosis, according to a statement from the American Heart Association (AHA).

Unhealthy diets of fast food and sugar-loaded soda is fuelling the health crisis.

Committee chair Professor Paul Duell said: "Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition that is often hidden or missed in routine medical care.

"It is important to know about the condition and treat it early because it is a risk factor for chronic liver damage and cardiovascular disease."

About 100 million individuals in the United States are estimated to have NAFLD, according to the American Liver Foundation.

It increases the risk of serious liver damage - including cirrhosis. Lifestyle changes are the cornerstone of treatment.

These include cutting down on fast foods, processed meats, pizza, cakes and candy and eating more fiber-rich vegetables and whole grains.

A Mediterranean-style diet and avoiding alcohol is recommended by a consortium of professional groups.

As people pile on the pounds, they are being diagnosed with the often symptomless condition at a much younger age.

Rather than being in their 60s or 70s, they are in still their 30s or 40s. Worryingly, many are only slightly overweight.

The statement emphasizes the need for awareness and monitoring and access to improved screening and treatment.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in patients with NAFLD. The illnesses share similar risk factors such as elevated glucose and blood fats and high blood pressure.

Maintaining healthy body weight, exercising regularly, eating heart-healthy foods diet and managing conditions such as type 2 diabetes protect against it.

Prof. Duell said: "Although healthy living can help avert NAFLD in many individuals, some may develop NAFLD despite their best efforts.

"At the other end of the spectrum, some individuals may have a genetic make-up that protects them from developing NAFLD despite having obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, unhealthy dietary habits or being sedentary."

A specialized ultrasound scan that measures liver elasticity, fat and stiffness in the liver can detect NAFLD.

Liver biopsy is the definitive test for advanced disease - but it is invasive and expensive.

Prof Duell said: "The lack of awareness of the high prevalence of NAFLD contributes to underdiagnosis. Individuals with risk factors for NAFLD warrant more careful screening.

"Part of the good news about managing NAFLD is that healthy eating, regular exercise and weight loss or avoiding weight gain are all valuable interventions to improve health in most of us, regardless of whether we have NAFLD."

Consultation with a dietitian may help patients plan and maintain a healthy diet. Losing 10% of body weight has been found to dramatically reduce liver fat.

Evidence also supports 20 to 30 minutes of physical activity per day as being beneficial - even in the absence of weight loss.

The statement was published in the AHA's journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.