Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a silent threat that is making its way into the lives of many people in the busy cities of Bangladesh, where hopes and goals are alive and well. This stealthy liver condition has emerged as a formidable health concern among urban populations.
The prevalence of NAFLD in Bangladesh ranges from 4% to 18.4%, with a significant increase observed in urban areas.
Even though the growing number of NAFLD cases is concerning, there is hope on the horizon. Lifestyle changes and proactive actions can prevent and even reverse this insidious disease, compared to alcohol-related liver diseases.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, unrelated to alcohol intake. It ranges from simple fatty liver to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), causing inflammation and liver cell damage. If left untreated, NAFLD can progress to severe complications such as cirrhosis and even liver cancer.
With buildings soaring high and life moving at breakneck speed, urban areas in Bangladesh have become hotspots for NAFLD. Obesity, a key risk factor, has found its foothold in urban areas.
The sedentary nature of urban life, combined with the ease of access to high-caloric processed foods, has contributed to a surge in obesity rates. Urban areas often have easier access to fast food, processed snacks, and sugary beverages, which are known contributors to weight gain and fatty liver. The availability and marketing of such unhealthy food options can lead to poor dietary choices among urban residents. This, in turn, fuels the fatty liver epidemic.
Dr Umar Khan, a public health expert, states, "Urban areas expose people to a sedentary lifestyle due to long commuting hours, office-based jobs, and limited lack of recreational opportunities. These factors, together with fast food and sugary drinks, endanger liver health.”
The good news is that by adopting a healthy lifestyle, NAFLD can be effectively prevented and even reversed. Experts recommend decreasing the intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated lipids while increasing the intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
It is possible to improve liver health and reduce the amount of fat stored in the liver by following a weight loss program that combines healthy nutrition with regular physical activity. Even a 5-7% weight decrease can have a favourable effect on the liver. Engaging in aerobic exercises, such as brisk walking, jogging, or cycling, for at least 150 minutes per week can help improve liver function and reduce liver fat.
While NAFLD is not caused by alcohol consumption, it is essential to limit or avoid alcohol altogether, as it can worsen liver damage and increase the risk of complications.
While lifestyle adjustments continue to be the cornerstone of NAFLD care, continuing research hopes to create pharmacological treatments that target the disease's underlying causes. At this time, there are no pharmacological treatments that have been specifically authorized by the FDA to treat NAFLD or NASH. Finding effective medications for NAFLD and NASH is critical for expanding treatment options and combating this rising health issue.
Medical professionals are at the forefront of NAFLD management. They not only cure liver disease but also related metabolic problems such as obesity and hyperlipidemia. They play an important role in preventing and treating NAFLD by helping patients through lifestyle changes and evaluating their progress.
The rising prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in urban Bangladesh is a wake-up call to action. The fight against NAFLD is not insurmountable, and we have control over our actions.
Urban Bangladesh can regain its health and beat a silent epidemic of NAFLD through lifestyle modifications directed by determined healthcare professionals and powered by cutting-edge research. The promise of a healthier, brighter future for everybody rises with the light on a new day.
Fatima Tuz Zahra is Research Assistant, Eminence Associates for Social Development. Dr Md Shamim Hayder Talukder is CEO, Eminence Associates for Social Development.