Dr Amir Khan has warned over a condition that affects one in five Brits – and can be caused by a range of factors with very few symptoms that can be easily confused with something else
A renowned doctor has issued a stark warning about a silent killer disease that affects around one in five Brits. Dr Amir Khan took to Instagram to raise awareness about fatty liver disease, which is affecting an alarming 20 per cent of the UK population, including a rising number of young adults.
The British Liver Trust describes this as a ‘long-lasting liver condition caused by having too much fat in the liver’, closely linked with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart and circulatory disease. Also known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), its more serious stage is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.
Traditionally, fatty liver disease affects people in their 40s to 60s, but a recent study of thousands of 24-year-olds in Bristol revealed that one in 40 had more advanced disease with liver scarring (fibrosis).
The UK is grappling with a worrying spike in liver-related fatalities, with death rates from liver disease soaring by over 400 per cent in the past half-century. Dr Khan highlighted the gravity of fatty liver disease, about which relatively little is known.
He warned: “Fatty liver disease is becoming increasingly common, yet there is so much we don’t know about it. Now, our liver is the second-largest organ in our body. It has many jobs, one of which is to break down fats for energy.
“Now, fatty liver disease occurs when too much fat is stored within the liver cells. It has nothing to do with alcohol intake. Experts don’t know why exactly some people accumulate fat in the liver and others do not, and we don’t know why some people who do go on to develop serious liver problems when others do not.
“But we do know there are risk factors for fatty liver disease, and these include obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and those with high levels of fats in their blood called triglycerides. Other risk factors include sleep apnea, an underactive thyroid, and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
“Now, most people will have no symptoms, and the diagnosis is often picked up through a random blood test or a scan. But those who go on to develop serious liver disease can get tummy pain, fatigue, weight loss, fluid build-up in the tummy and legs, and other signs of liver problems.”
Booze and being overweight are thought to compound fatty liver disease issues, as the UK sees a surge in overweight individuals potentially worsening the crisis. Yet, even those sporting a healthy weight aren’t immune to the threat.
Unhealthy eating, drinking habits, sedentary lifestyles, high cholesterol, or blood pressure can all contribute to the condition, according to Dr Khan, who said there were no recognised medicines to treat it. But it’s not all doom and gloom – adopting a nutritious diet, staying active, and shedding excess pounds can help heal your liver, particularly if caught early.
Dr Khan advises: “Currently, there are no approved medications to treat fatty liver disease, but there are things that we can do to reverse it, including stopping smoking, getting to a healthy weight, having a balanced diet rich in plants, moving and exercising regularly, and getting good quality sleep. If you’re worried, speak to a healthcare professional.”
