Can Obesity Lead to Liver Disease?

By Kat Fuschillo
Writer for FEP International

More and more men and women are diagnosed with obesity each year. We already know that the condition has been linked to certain diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancer types, but it has now been discovered that obesity is the number one cause for liver disease [1].

Obesity statistics have shown that obesity has only become a major health problem in last 50 years or so. As humans become less and less active, the risk of obesity continues to grow. Worryingly, it's a condition that is also affecting more and more young children and teenagers. Unhealthy eating and a general lack of daily activity are the two main contributors of this serious condition.

For many years the most common cause of liver disease and liver damage was alcohol. But, obesity has now take the top stop, and is causing irreversible liver damage to many sufferers. Because non-alcohol fatty liver disease has few symptoms, the diagnosis of the condition often comes too late, and the damage is already done. In recent years there have been a number of cases where the level of damage has been so severe, that liver transplants have been necessary.

Those who are extremely overweight are putting far too much pressure on their livers. The organ just can't cope with the high levels of fat, and it struggles to function and begins to store the excess fat. This eventually causes the liver to either become dangerously enlarged or leads to cirrhosis, which is a permanent scaring of the organ.

Here are some of the most common non-alcohol fatty liver disease warning signs you should look out for:

• Weakness and fatigue
• Reduced appetite and sudden weight loss
• Swelling or fluid retention in your arms, legs and abdomen

Unfortunately, this problem is only going to get worse. It is thought that in years to come the number of obesity cases will substantially escalate. Health care professionals are already concerned about the future, and worry if the current health care systems will be able to cope with the growing number of obesity related illnesses. Anyone with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or higher is considered to be obese. Those who currently fall into this category have a much higher risk of developing liver disease and a whole host of other serious conditions.

Fortunately, it is very easy to control and prevent obesity. Losing weight is easier than ever and there are a number obesity diets, weight loss surgeries and obesity support groups that can all help to combat the condition. In order to maintain a normal healthy weight, it's essential to eat a well balanced daily diet. It's always best to avoid fast foods and foods with a very high fat content. Daily exercise is also extremely important and just 30 minutes of brisk exercise is all you need to stay fit and healthy. Losing excess weight and working to maintain a healthy weight will drastically reduce any obesity related health problems, and reduce the risk of liver disease.

References

1. Body Fat, the Silent Killer. MedicineNet. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=46582. Accessed Aug 10, 2009.

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