One might assume that with the word "fatty" in its name, fatty liver is exclusive to obese individuals. That's a common misconception! In today's busy lifestyle, irregular eating habits, disrupted sleep patterns, and constant exposure to high-stress environments have become the norm. It's no wonder that many people are tempted to indulge in fine food and drink after a long day at work. However, if one indulges in excessive alcohol consumption and regularly consumes greasy or deliciously sweet foods without restraint, be cautious, as fatty liver may silently creep upon you!

1 in 4 Hong Kong Residents Suffers from Fatty Liver!

Fatty liver is a highly prevalent chronic disease, often referred to as the "silent killer" as most patients do not exhibit noticeable symptoms. Fatty liver occurs when there is an excessive accumulation of fat in liver cells, where the fat constitutes 5% or more of the liver's total weight. This condition hinders the liver's crucial functions, such as detoxification and metabolism, leading to the accumulation of toxins in the body. This can result in a series of severe consequences, including liver inflammation, scarring, fibrosis, and even liver cancer.

Fatty Liver Afflicting the Young - Onset as Early as the Twenties

There are various causes of fatty liver, with obesity, diabetes, and excessive alcohol consumption being the most common culprits. However, there are also numerous cases where lean individuals who do not consume alcohol excessively develop fatty liver. According to a study conducted by the Centre for Liver Health, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, for every 5 non-obese individuals, 1 was diagnosed with "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease." This goes to show that fatty liver is not exclusive to individuals with slim figures or those within the normal weight range.

Furthermore, there are five main reasons behind the increasing prevalence of fatty liver among young individuals:

1. Poor dietary habits: Irregular eating patterns, frequent consumption of high-fat and high-sugar foods, particularly fructose, which easily converts into triglycerides.

2. Prolonged sedentary behavior and inadequate exercise: Sitting for extended periods and a lack of physical activity lead to continuous fat accumulation in the body.

3. Excessive alcohol consumption: Unrestrained drinking, or even alcohol abuse, can contribute to the synthesis of liver cell fat.

4. Drug abuse: Long-term use of painkillers, antibiotics, steroids, and other medications can disrupt liver metabolism, leading to fat accumulation.

5. Improper weight loss or malnutrition: Prolonged fasting triggers fat burning, causing a large amount of fat to enter the liver. However, insufficient protein intake disrupts the liver's ability to metabolize fat properly, resulting in its accumulation.

Reversing the Condition through Lifestyle Improvements - Early Comprehensive Examination Recommended

Due to the inconspicuous nature of fatty liver in daily life, most patients require blood tests, computed tomography scans, or magnetic resonance imaging for ultrasound examination to aid in the diagnosis of their liver condition. However, early detection and appropriate treatment, such as improving dietary habits, increasing physical exercise, or incorporating medication when necessary, can help reverse or even eliminate fatty liver.

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