Health for Body Mind and Soul

Obesity in the United States is a serious issue that causes a variety of health issues.  Among the latest health issues linked to obesity is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease occurs when a build-up of fat in the liver cells occurs in overweight and obese patients. What makes this different from other forms of liver disease is that it is not linked to alcohol consumption.

A recent study presented at the International Liver Congress in Berlin analyzed data from over 39,000 liver disease cases spanning 10 years.  Their study found a marked increase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in relation to other forms of liver disease.  They concluded that if this trend continues, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease will increase by 50% over the next 20 years.

Read more about this study

Fatty liver disease is linked to a variety of adverse health conditions.  A separate study from Stanford University analyzed the link between fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes.  The research findings indicated that a diagnosis of diabetes is more likely in patients with fatty liver disease than those without fatty liver disease.

“Many patients and practitioners view fat in the liver as just ‘fat in the liver,’ but we believe that a diagnosis of fatty liver should raise an alarm for impending type 2 diabetes,” says researcher Sun Kim, MD, of Stanford University in California, in a news release.

Read about this study

These studies identify some of the diseases that may be the result of obesity.  It is essential for optimum health to keep weight within acceptable ranges for height.  One quick way to reduce weight and the potential for fatty liver disease is through aerobic exercise.  Aerobic exercise will not only improve cardiovascular health, but is a highly recommended method to reduce excess weight for obese individuals.  Always remember to start slow and increase intensity over time.  New exercise routines should be started under the care of a physicians.