Fatty liver is a condition caused by too much fat built up in the liver. This becomes a problem when fat content reaches 5-10% of the liver’s weight. Pathophysiology involves fat accumulation (steatosis), inflammation, and fibrosis. Steatosis results from hepatic triglyceride accumulation.
The prevalence of fatty liver among Malaysian population is 23% with around 49.6% are diabetics and up to 90% are obese patients.
Risk Factors
•BMI>25
•Cigarette smoking
•Excessive alcohol intake
•Unhealthy diet (fatty food)
Sign & Symptoms
•Pain at the upper right side of the abdomen
•No appetite and weight loss
•Yellowish skin (jaundice)
•Extreme tiredness and mental confusion
Complications
•Increased risk of liver cancer
•Ascites (fluid build-up in abdomen)
•Leg swellings
•Malnutrition
Food to Focus
•Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese and calcium-fortified cottage cheese)
