Fatty liver is a condition where liver cells accumulate excessive fat (over 5% of liver weight). Individuals who are overweight, obese, diabetic, or frequently consume alcoholic beverages have a higher risk of developing fatty liver disease.

Doctor Nguyen Cong Uan, from the Liver Tumor Unit at the Oncology Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, explains that excessive fat accumulation in the liver leads to fatty acid oxidation, which generates free radicals. These free radicals damage DNA, trigger chronic inflammation, and cause liver fibrosis, ultimately leading to liver cancer. High levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL-C) in the blood overload the liver's lipid metabolism. This excess fat gradually accumulates in liver cells, creating inflammatory responses. Over time, inflamed and destroyed liver cells are progressively replaced by scar tissue and cancerous tissue.

In individuals with obesity and diabetes, insulin resistance further promotes the development of malignant cells, causing liver cancer even before cirrhosis occurs. This process often progresses silently over a long period.

Doctor Uan advises a patient. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Initially, symptoms of fatty liver are often unclear, with the condition typically discovered during a liver ultrasound. As the disease progresses, fatty liver can manifest with signs such as: dark urine, pale stools, itching, allergic reactions, persistent fatigue, jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), and loss of appetite.

According to Doctor Uan, adults should maintain a BMI between 18,5-22,9 to prevent fatty liver. This includes limiting alcohol consumption, reducing refined carbohydrates, animal fats, and fructose. It is important to increase intake of green vegetables and beneficial fats like omega-3 from fatty fish, olive oil, and nuts. Engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily helps improve metabolism and more effectively reduces liver fat.

Patients with fatty liver should maintain an appropriate diet, undergo regular health check-ups, and receive cancer screenings as advised by their doctor. Individuals with fatty liver, diabetes, obesity, persistently elevated liver enzymes, or high blood lipids should have an ultrasound and an AFP test (to check alpha-fetoprotein levels in the blood) every 6 months.

Untreated fatty liver can lead to many complications such as: hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. According to the Ministry of Health, nearly 30 million people in Vietnam suffer from fatty liver, with 30-35% at risk of progressing to cirrhosis. The disease also increases the risk of cardiovascular problems such as: heart failure, arrhythmias, and stroke.

Nguyen Tram