According to studies, it is predicted that the biggest cause of cirrhosis and liver transplantation in the future will be fatty liver. Stating that fatty liver occurs as a result of excessive fat accumulation in liver cells, Gastroenterology Specialist Bilal Toka noted that the fat accumulation that progresses over time can damage the liver structure and cause serious consequences such as cirrhosis.
IT DON’T DEVELOP ONLY DUE TO ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
Assoc. Prof. said that fatty liver is caused by two main reasons, alcohol and non-alcohol, and that it is well known to the public that excessive alcohol consumption causes fat accumulation in the liver. Dr. Bilal Toka said, “Fatty liver disease does not develop only due to alcohol consumption. Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), which is increasing and more common today, is also closely related to conditions such as overweight, diabetes and high cholesterol. In our country “Due to the increasingly common sedentary lifestyle and high-calorie eating habits, this disease is becoming more and more important as a health problem.” he said.
“IT IS PROCEEDING QUIETLY AND SNEAKLY”
Explaining that it is estimated that one in every 3 people in Turkey has fatty liver, and that fatty liver often progresses silently and insidiously, Assoc. Dr. Bilal Toka: “Fatty liver does not cause any obvious complaints in the early stages. Therefore, it is usually discovered incidentally during check-up or blood tests performed for any reason or during abdominal ultrasonography.” he said.
BEWARE OF FATIGUE AND MILD ABDOMINAL PAIN
Assoc. Dr. Bilal Toka: “As the disease progresses, symptoms such as a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, fatigue and mild abdominal pain are observed.” he said.
Stating that fatty liver causes more serious problems such as cirrhosis if left untreated, the expert said, “However, these symptoms are usually at a level that can be ignored and there is often no need to apply to the hospital. However, if precautions are not taken and treated in the early stages, fatty liver can progress and lead to more serious problems such as cirrhosis and liver failure.” “It can cause serious health problems.” he said.
“LOOSING WEIGHT CAN STOP FAT LIVER”
Gastroenterology Specialist Assoc. Prof. noted that there are high-risk situations for fatty liver. Dr. Bilal Toka explained that high-risk groups include obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and genetic predisposition. Assoc. Prof. stated that lifestyle changes including diet, weight loss and exercise can stop the progression of the disease or even regress it. Dr. Bilal Toka continued as follows:
“Fatty liver is an important health problem that needs to be diagnosed and treated at an early stage. It is important to control factors such as overweight, diabetes and high cholesterol in the treatment. In addition, a high-fiber diet and exercise are treatments that are proven to be effective in preventing fatty liver. In terms of fatty liver “It is of great importance for individuals with risk factors to have regular health checks and follow-ups.”
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