Not A Drinker? 5 Things That Can Still Increase Your Risk Of Liver Disease

Alcohol consumption is one of the major contributors to liver disease. The global prevalence of Alcohol-Related Liver Disease (ARLD) is 4.8%, of which 2.9% are males and 0.5% females, according to a recent study published in the BMC Public Health. However, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, with a prevalence of 25–30%, says a review published in the Journal Frontiers in Medicine. 

In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Kavya Dendukuri, Senior Hepatologist, Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar, Hyderabad, discussed factors that can increase one’s risk of liver disease other than alcohol. 

Also Read: Your Legs Can Signal A Fatty Liver Disease: Note THIS Warning Sign

Obesity

“Obesity is a significant risk factor for liver disease, particularly NAFLD,” said Dr Dendukuri, explaining, “Excess fat accumulation in the body can lead to fat buildup in the liver, causing inflammation and scarring.”

According to a study published in the International Journal of Biological Sciences, the prevalence of NAFLD is 15-30% among the general population, whereas it is 50-90% in obese subjects. The researchers further highlighted that hepatic steatosis or fatty liver is found in 65% of subjects with grade I-II obesity and in 85% of patients with grade III obesity. 

Grade I obesity is when Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30.0-34.9, whereas Grade II obesity is when BMI is 35.0-39.9. High risk obesity or Grade III obesity is when the BMI is greater than 40.0.

Dr Dendukuri recommended eating a balanced diet and indulging in regular exercise to reduce the risk of liver disease in individuals with obesity.

Type 2 Diabetes

According to Dr Dendukuri, type 2 diabetes is also closely linked to an increased risk of liver disease, including NAFLD and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). 

She explained, “Elevated blood sugar levels and insulin resistance can lead to liver inflammation and damage, which is why proper management of diabetes through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes is essential in reducing this risk.”

Similarly, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that NAFLD and NASH can also increase the risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. 

Viral Infections (Hepatitis A ,B,C,D E)

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 35.4 crore people live with hepatitis B or C worldwide. Hepatitis A,B,C,D,E are the five most common strains of the hepatitis virus, which can lead to liver disease, if left unmanaged and untreated. 

Apart from them, there are other viral infections, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), that can affect the liver, said Dr Dendukuri, adding that these infections can lead to acute liver inflammation, and in some cases, they can cause chronic liver problems. 

Also Read: Liver Cirrhosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment

Poor Diet Rich In Excessive Sugar 

Dr Dendukuri shared that a diet high in added sugars, especially in the form of high-fructose corn syrup, has been associated with liver disease, particularly NAFLD. 

According to a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, high fructose intake is associated with "increased oxidative stress, inflammation, higher uric acid levels, hypertriglyceridemia, higher systolic blood pressure, and insulin resistance, which are associated with the development or worsening of liver diseases."

High cholesterol

In addition to all the factors mentioned above, high cholesterol, specifically high levels of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, is a significant risk factor for liver disease. According to WebMD, cholesterol from food usually ends up in the liver. Therefore, excessive cholesterol buildup can increase a person's risk for fatty liver disease. Additionally, unmanaged cholesterol levels can also lead to NASH, which is the most severe form of NAFLD. 

Conclusion

While excessive alcohol intake is a common risk factor for liver disease, several other things can contribute to it, including obesity, viral hepatitis, poor diet, and high cholesterol. 

“Preventive measures and early intervention play a crucial role in reducing the risk of liver disease,” said Dr Dendukuri, concluding, “Regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle can help maintain liver health and prevent the development of liver diseases.”