Nowadays, a large number of people in India are suffering from the problem of fatty liver even without drinking alcohol. This condition can gradually affect the functioning of the liver and increase the risk of serious diseases. In such a situation, let us know what the three major reasons behind this are.

30% of people in India have a fatty liver problem despite not drinking alcohol.

Fatty liver is a condition in which excess fat accumulates in the liver cells. The liver is an important organ of the body, which works to convert food into energy and remove toxic elements. According to research by AIIMS Delhi, fatty liver is generally seen in alcohol drinkers, but nowadays it is increasing rapidly in non-alcoholic people as well, which is called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Its main reasons are unhealthy eating habits, obesity, and lack of physical activity. Having fatty liver for a long time can increase the risk of inflammation in the liver and further serious diseases like cirrhosis or liver failure.

Fatty liver is often asymptomatic in the early stages, but over time, it affects the functioning of the liver. Accumulation of fat in the liver can lead to inflammation and scarring, i.e., fibrosis, which increases the risk of cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure. Apart from this, fatty liver increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Constant fatigue, weight gain, heaviness in the stomach and digestion related problems are also seen in the body. Let us know what are the reasons for having fatty liver despite not drinking alcohol.

3 reasons why you may have fatty liver even if you don't drink alcohol

Wrong eating habits and processed food:

Dr. Gunjan of the Gastroenterology Department of AIIMS Delhi explains that poor diet is the biggest reason for fatty liver. Fried food and high-calorie food increases fat in the liver. Drinks containing high-fructose corn syrup and fast food accelerate the accumulation of fat in the liver. Consuming such foods for a long time weakens the natural detox process of the liver.

Obesity and insulin resistance:

Excess weight, especially belly fat, plays a major role in fat accumulation in the liver. Obesity increases insulin resistance, which leads to accumulation of fat in liver cells. This condition also increases the risk of type-2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases, which further increases the pressure on the liver.

Sedentary lifestyle and stress:

Due to lack of physical activity, the calories present in the body get converted into fat and get stored in the liver. Working for long hours while sitting, not exercising and lack of sleep increase this risk. The cortisol hormone which increases during stress affects the metabolism and further accelerates the process of fat accumulation in the liver.

How to protect yourself?

Eat a healthy diet and avoid processed foods.

Make sure to exercise for 30 minutes every day.

Keep your weight under control.

Stay away from stress and get enough sleep.

Get health checkup done from time to time.