The four solid habits which we have to inculcate in our daily routine are:

• Eating a balanced nutritional diet
• Staying active by regular physical activity
• Reducing and stopping alcohol intake
• Regular liver health checks

By making these habits part of your daily life, you can take control of your liver health and prevent serious complications said Prof Taneja

Nutrition and Exercise are not just a part of treatment—they are “foundational” to liver health said Prof Sunil Taneja who has published important research papers in international journals on the positive impact of nutrition in liver disease.

World Liver Day is a global call to action with an idea to raise awareness, break the stigma around liver disease, and empower people with knowledge to make healthier choices because a healthier liver means a healthier life.

The liver is a vital organ that performs over many functions to detoxify the body, metabolize nutrients, and support digestion. Yet, millions suffer from liver diseases like hepatitis, fatty liver, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

Prof Taneja said that modern lifestyle changes are a key contributor to this type of liver disease. Factors like unhealthy diet, reduced physical activity, sedentary behaviour, poor sleep pattern and mental stress all contribute to development of life style diseases.

What are the symptoms of fatty liver disease?

Fatty liver is often called a “silent disease” as most patients do not experience any noticeable symptoms. A small percentage of patients may complain of vague discomfort in the abdomen, generalized weakness, and fatigue. However if the fatty liver progresses and is associated with inflammation in the liver it may lead to development of cirrhosis and its complications including liver cancer. Because symptoms are often absent, regular health check-ups and early screening play a crucial role in identifying fatty liver disease before it advances said Prof Taneja.

How is fatty liver disease diagnosed?

Fatty liver disease is often suspected when patients present with an enlarged liver or show abnormal results in routine liver function tests. To confirm the condition, we commonly recommend an ultrasound, which can indicate the presence of excess fat in the liver said Prof Taneja . For a more detailed assessment, an advanced, non-invasive test known as FibroScan is widely used. This technique not only detects and quantifies fat accumulation in the liver but also evaluates the degree of scarring (fibrosis). Today, FibroScan is available in most hospitals, making early and accurate diagnosis more accessible said Prof Taneja.

What is the treatment of fatty liver disease?

Patients are advised to achieve a gradual and sustained weight loss through proper nutrition and exercise. Patients with diabetes and high lipids in their blood have to improve their sugar control and lower lipids levels. Usually, a low fat and a low-calorie diet is recommended along with medications to lower blood sugar in people with diabetes.

What is the current status on the use of weight loss medications?

In recent years, a new class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists has gained popularity for weight loss. While these medications can be effective, they are not a quick fix and caution is essential said Prof Taneja. It is important to understand that GLP-1 drugs should only be used under medical supervision as they come with potential side effects.

Can fatty liver disease be prevented?

A healthy lifestyle will prevent obesity, which is the most frequent cause of fatty liver disease.

Specific suggestions for preventing fatty liver disease:

o Avoid alcohol.

o Choose a healthy lifestyle.

o Aim for a gradual and sustained weight loss if you are obese.

o Diet low in saturated fats and high in fiber.

o Daily exercise

This year’s theme reminds us that what we eat and how active we are directly affects how well our liver works. It highlights that how balanced nutrition and physical activity can be a game-changer for liver health. A balanced diet rich in whole foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps prevent disease and supports liver function. We recommend at least 150 minutes/ week of exercise which is an achievable changes to your lifestyle for improving fatty liver. Whether it’s walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, or lifting weights, every bit of activity supports a stronger, healthier liver said Prof Taneja