16/02/2025
Why is Fatty Liver So Common Today?
Fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rising due to modern lifestyles, poor diets, and environmental factors. It’s not just about overeating—it’s a combination of inactivity, processed foods, and metabolic imbalances.
1. Lifestyle Factors
👉🏻Sedentary Habits – Prolonged sitting and lack of exercise lead to fat accumulation in the liver.
👉🏻Chronic Stress & Poor Sleep – High cortisol disrupts metabolism, increasing fat storage.
👉🏻Irregular Eating Patterns – Late-night snacking and high-carb diets worsen insulin resistance.
2. Poor Diet Choices
👉🏻Excess Sugar & Refined Carbs – Found in sodas, sweets, and processed foods, these overload the liver and turn into fat.
👉🏻Low Protein, High-Carb Intake – A diet heavy in refined grains and low in protein reduces the liver’s ability to metabolize fat.
👉🏻Processed & Fast Food Dependence – These foods are calorie-dense, nutrient-poor, and full of unhealthy fats.
3. Food Accessibility & Social Norms
👉🏻Easy Access to Junk Food – Processed foods are more affordable and convenient than whole foods.
👉🏻Emotional & Social Overeating – Stress eating and cultural norms promote excessive consumption.
👉🏻Decline in Home Cooking – Packaged meals and takeout replace balanced, home-cooked meals.
Scientific Explanation: How It Develops
👉🏻Excess Sugar & Carbs – The liver converts them into triglycerides (fat).
👉🏻Insulin Resistance – Cells stop responding to insulin, worsening fat storage.
👉🏻Inflammation & Liver Damage – Over time, fat buildup leads to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and metabolic disorders.
What Happens If Left Untreated?
👉🏻NASH (Inflamed Fatty Liver) – Leads to liver scarring.
👉🏻Cirrhosis – Permanent liver damage, risk of failure.
👉🏻Increased Risk of Diabetes & Heart Disease – Due to poor metabolism.
How to Prevent & Reverse Fatty Liver
👉🏻Cut Sugar & Processed Foods – Reduce sodas, sweets, and refined carbs.
Increase Physical Activity – Regular movement helps burn liver fat.
👉🏻Eat More Protein & Fiber – Supports metabolism and liver function.
👉🏻Improve Sleep & Manage Stress – Regulates hormones that affect fat storage.
Fatty liver is reversible with the right lifestyle changes. Small, consistent habits make a big difference in long-term health.
Source: Surbhi Rajpoot, Shannon Davis
Credits to the rightful owners
Regards,
Dr. Adarsha Gowda
Chairperson/Dean/Head (Former)
Entrepreneurship, Startup & Consultancy
Dept of Food Science
Dept of Food Processing & Engineering.