According to Dr. Tao Hong - Deputy Head of the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, An Trinh Hospital Beijing (China), fatty liver is not only a problem in the liver but also a "signal" warning of metabolic disorders in the body.
According to Dr. Tao Hong, Asians tend to accumulate visceral fat even when they are not overweight on the outside. When weight increases, fat easily accumulates in organs, including the liver. This prolonged condition can lead to hepatitis, cirrhosis and cirrhosis, while increasing the risk of metabolic diseases.
However, if detected and intervened early, fatty liver still has the potential to improve, even reverse. Clinical research shows that reducing 5% of body weight can help reduce fat in the liver; a reduction of 7-10% can improve inflammation and liver fibrosis.
To control fatty liver, Dr. Tao Hong emphasizes two factors including reducing energy intake and increasing energy consumption.
In the diet, it is necessary to limit refined carbohydrates such as rice, noodles, cakes; sugary drinks, milk tea; foods high in sugar and fat such as pastries, donuts. Some fruits with high sugar content also need to be used at a reasonable level. When energy intake exceeds the needs, excess can turn into fat and accumulate in the liver and many other organs.
Regarding exercise, patients should maintain regular exercise, combining aerobic and resistance exercises. According to experts, it is not necessary to exercise at high intensity, the important thing is to maintain it regularly.
For people with severe fatty liver, just lifestyle changes may not be enough. Some obesity medications, including those that act on GLP-1, can support weight loss and reduce fat accumulation in the liver. However, medication use needs to be evaluated and prescribed by a doctor.
Dr. Tao Hong noted that the earlier intervention, the more beneficial it is. When the disease has progressed to severe fibrosis or the early stages of cirrhosis, the treatment effectiveness may be reduced. Therefore, people at risk should be checked early to assess their liver condition.
In clinical practice, the FIB-4 index combined with liver fibrosis testing can be used to identify high-risk cases. For people with fatty liver but without fibrosis, it is necessary to control their weight, blood sugar, blood pressure and blood fat well.
Fatty liver is therefore not only a problem of the liver alone but also a warning about metabolic health. Early detection and correct lifestyle changes can help patients control, even reverse this situation.
