Fatty liver disease, caused by a buildup of fat in the liver, is rapidly becoming a global health issue, affecting people of all ages and genders. According to doctors, even though there are many causes of fatty liver disease, researchers believe that genetics and lifestyle changes are the major causes.

,This condition, characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver, is often associated with poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity. However, genetics also play an equally important role, with some populations having metabolic abnormalities that increase the risk,” Dr Arvind Badiger, Technical Director, BDR Pharmaceuticals, told Times Now.

How does your lifestyle cause fatty liver disease?

According to Dr. Badiger, various lifestyle problems like drinking too much alcohol and eating too much junk food can lead to this serious, life-threatening disease. This happens when your body deals with excess calories by converting some of the calories into fat, which is then stored in liver cells. When fat exceeds 5-10 percent of your liver’s total weight, you have fatty liver.

“Fatty liver disease is a growing global health concern, especially in India, where lifestyle choices and genetic predispositions combine to create a silent epidemic. Early diagnosis is important to prevent progression to cirrhosis or liver cancer,” said Dr. Badiger.

“Regular monitoring of liver function tests and imaging studies is essential, especially for high-risk individuals. “With the right combination of lifestyle changes, targeted drugs and genetic testing, the burden of FLD can be reduced, ensuring a healthy future for at-risk populations,” he said.

A diet rich in fructose, a type of sugar, may also increase the risk because it causes changes in the composition of your gut bacteria, or microbiome.

Genetic factors that cause fatty liver disease

According to various studies, several genetic changes have been identified that are associated with the development of fatty liver disease. These have a particular variation in the PNPLA3 gene, which provides instructions for making a protein called adiponectin, found in fat cells and liver cells.

Another study has verified the existence of underlying forms of this condition, which may be specifically caused by mutations in a specific gene, ABHD5,

You are also likely to have fatty liver disease if:

• are overweight or obese
• have type 2 diabetes
• have insulin resistance
• have high levels of triglycerides
• have low HDL or good cholesterol

Treatment of fatty liver disease

Experts will usually recommend weight loss and physical activity to treat fatty liver disease. According to data from the National Institutes of Health, losing as little as 3-5 percent of body weight can reduce liver fat, while losing 7-10 percent of body weight reduced liver inflammation and fibrosis. May go.

“From a pharmaceutical perspective, the management of fatty liver disease requires a comprehensive approach. While lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, regular exercise and weight management remain the cornerstone of treatment, medicinal interventions are gaining prominence,” says Dr. Badiger said.

“Emerging therapies targeting insulin resistance, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism, such as pioglitazone and vitamin E, have shown promising results,” he said.

Additionally, if you have complications from cirrhosis, your doctor may recommend the following treatments:

• Medicines to lower blood pressure or remove fluid from the body if you have portal hypertension.
• Medicines to reduce toxins in the brain
• antibiotics to treat bacterial infections

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