World Liver Day 2024: Why excess sugar, oil are as dangerous for liver as alcohol

While alcohol is known to be bad for liver health consuming foods rich in sugar and oil may be equally dangerous for the organ as well as for overall health said doctors on Thursday ahead of World Liver DayWorld Liver Day is observed on April 19 every year to highlight the importance of a healthy liver for the normal functioning of the body The theme this year is Be vigilant get regular liver checkups and prevent fatty liver diseasesThe liver acts as the bodys warehouse processing everything one consumes Eating more calories can accumulate in the liver leading to fatty liver disease which can trigger diabetes and other metabolic disordersldquoWhile the dangers of alcoholrelated liver disease are wellknown there is a rising concern over nonalcoholic liver disease caused by highcalorie foods such as sugars and fats This condition can lead to the same severe complications as alcoholic liver disease including liver cirrhosis which might eventually require a liver transplant Dr Shreevidya Medical Director Apollo ProHealth saidExcess sugar and oil intake like alcohol give rise to fat droplets scattered through the liver tissue leading to a cascade of liver injury due to inflammation leading to liver failurerdquo explained Dr Pavan Dhoble Junior Consultant Gastroenterology P D Hinduja Hospital amp MRC MahimExcess sugar and oil intake fuels obesity leading to adverse liver health including nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases NAFLDData shows nearly one out of every four Indian adults are either overweight or obese at risk of fatty liver disease and alcohol use is also on the riseA study conducted by AIIMS analysing reports on NAFLD in India revealed a startling reality over onethird 38 per cent of Indians have fatty liver or NAFLD This phenomenon extends to affect nearly 35 per cent of children as well as per the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology and calls for attention to addressing lifestylerelated health issues from an early ageLiver diseases have emerged as critical public health concerns in India NAFLD often remains unrecognised in its early stages as it may not manifest symptoms However it can progress to severe liver diseases Dr Rahul Roy Consultant Liver Transplant and Hepatopancreatic Biliary Surgery RN Tagore Hospital and Narayana Hospital Howrah told IANSThe westernisation of diets characterised by increased fast food consumption and a lack of fruits and vegetables plays a pivotal role in the rise of fatty liver diseases he addedThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever