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Today is World Liver Day, so let’s pay attention to the importance of liver health. An integral part of the body, the liver helps eliminate waste and toxins and breaks down food and converts it into energy. Nevertheless, today fatty liver disease is on the rise and not only adults but also children are being affected by it.
rising cases
Talking about the increasing cases of children affected with fatty liver, Dr. Amit Miglani, Director and HOD, Gastroenterology, Asian Hospital, confirmed, “Yes, there has been a significant increase in the cases of fatty liver in children. Previously, the prevalence of obesity and fatty liver in children was about five to six percent. However, recent data indicate a significant increase, affecting a larger proportion of overweight and obese children. Currently, about 60 to 70 percent of children who are obese or overweight are diagnosed with fatty liver.
unhealthy reasons
Outlining the reasons for this he says, “The three main reasons for the increasing prevalence of fatty liver in children are mainly related to unhealthy dietary habits.”
He adds, “First and foremost is the consumption of high-sugar products such as chocolate, candies, and the increased intake of fast foods such as pizza and burgers. These, along with the consumption of juices which lack actual fruit content , contribute to high sugar levels in the blood, which leads to increased fat accumulation in the liver, another factor is a sedentary lifestyle, which has become more common due to increased screen time and mobile device use. Finally “Genetics also play a role in obesity and fatty liver in children, although often less significant than diet and lifestyle factors.”
Parents have to play a strict role
One of the main things parents can do to reduce the risk of fatty liver in children is to prioritize a healthy diet. They can limit sugar intake through candies and beverages and steer clear of junk food, which is high in both fat and calories, which further increases fat accumulation in the liver.
Dr. Manoj Gupta, Chief and Senior Consultant – Liver Transplant and GI Surgery, PSRI Hospital, shares, “Long-term complications of various health conditions including metabolic disorders like NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease), hypertension, type 2 Can increase the risk of complications like diabetes leading to insulin resistance, cardiovascular diseases and eventually liver cirrhosis.
He adds, “Parents can help their children by encouraging regular exercise, promoting outdoor activities and sports like football and swimming, monitoring food choices and limiting the intake of oily, fatty and fried foods. Can play an important role. These lifestyle changes can lead to weight loss and ultimately improve children’s overall quality of life.
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