Fatty liver disease develops when excess fat accumulates in the liver, generally categorized as alcoholic or non-alcoholic. If prolonged, it can advance to hepatitis, liver cell damage, and scar tissue formation. This progression may result in fibrosis, cirrhosis, and an elevated risk of liver cancer.

While not everyone with fatty liver disease develops liver cancer, prolonged progression and damage significantly raise the risk of complications. Below are 5 daily habits that can contribute to fatty liver disease progression and increase long-term liver damage risk.

Consuming excessive sugar and ultra-processed foods

According to the Times of India, consuming excessive sugary drinks and processed foods is detrimental to liver health. When the body takes in too much sugar, particularly from sources like soft drinks, milk tea, sweets, or bottled juices, the liver converts the surplus into fat for storage.

Over time, this fat accumulation in the liver elevates the risk of fatty liver inflammation and cell damage. To safeguard liver health, individuals should limit sugary beverages and sweets, while prioritizing green vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grains in their diet.

Consuming high-sugar foods is not good for the liver. Illustration: Le Nguyen

Prolonged sitting, physical inactivity

A sedentary lifestyle significantly increases the risk of fatty liver disease, particularly for office workers. Prolonged sitting leads to lower energy expenditure, promoting fat accumulation and reduced insulin sensitivity. This environment facilitates fat deposition within the liver.

Even with regular exercise, prolonged sitting remains detrimental to metabolic health. Individuals should incorporate regular movement, such as standing or light activity, after every 30 to 60 minutes of sitting.

Increased abdominal fat without weight control

Fatty liver disease affects more than just obese individuals; those with normal weight but excess abdominal fat also face a significant risk. Abdominal fat can heighten insulin resistance, accelerating fat accumulation in the liver. If this persists, fatty liver disease may advance to inflammation, scarring, cirrhosis, and an increased risk of liver cancer.

Gradual weight loss, achieved through a balanced diet and regular exercise, can reduce liver fat, particularly in the early stages of the disease.

Alcohol consumption despite existing fatty liver disease

For individuals already diagnosed with fatty liver disease, continued alcohol consumption can significantly accelerate liver damage. The liver prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over other nutrients, a process that generates harmful substances, increasing inflammation and promoting fibrosis.

According to WebMD, limiting or ceasing alcohol consumption is a crucial step for fatty liver patients to protect their liver and reduce complication risks.

Smoking

Smoking harms not only the lungs but also the liver. Toxins in cigarette smoke increase oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, making liver cells vulnerable to damage. This can lead to scarring, fibrosis, and an elevated risk of developing liver cancer, as reported by Healthline.

A significant concern is that many individuals overlook fatty liver disease due to its often asymptomatic nature. By the time symptoms like prolonged fatigue, discomfort in the right upper abdomen, jaundice, or elevated liver enzymes manifest, the disease may have already advanced.

Le Nguyen (Compiled)