Fatty liver disease and hepatic steatosis body part as a medical health care concept of the digestive system anatomy and vital organ for digestion functions in a 3D illustration style.
The Global State of Liver Health 2022 Report published by the Global Liver Institute suggests that one out of four people in the world are impacted by NAFLD, and in the Philippines alone, approximately 16,500 individuals die from liver disease complications per year. NAFLD covers a range of liver conditions caused by fat buildup, commonly seen in individuals who are overweight or obese. It is a disease more susceptible in those suffering from diabetes or cardiovascular diseases. NAFLD is an interplay of genetics, environment, diet, and microbiota, so high cholesterol levels, sedentary lifestyle and inappropriate eating habits can also increase an individual’s NAFLD risk, often leading to liver damage, disease, or even liver failure.
“Millions of people are suffering from chronic liver diseases brought about by alcohol, and now the metabolic syndrome, but these diseases are preventable, curable, and some can be controlled,” Dr. Sollano underscored.Apart from the fact that there are no standardized guidelines geared towards managing NAFLD, there are also very few liver disease prevention techniques being recommended for the general population.