Fatty liver disease: a growing concern in SA and how to combat it

WITH rising rates of obesity and diabetes in South Africa driven by diet, urbanisation, and sedentary lifestyles, fatty liver disease is no longer a “silent” or rare condition.

- SARENE KLOREN

RISING rates of obesity and diabetes are fuelling fatty liver disease in SA. Early action through diet and lifestyle can make all the difference.

(Pexels)

It's a growing public-health concern that can quietly damage the liver over the years.

Often symptomless in its early stages, this condition, where fat accumulates in the liver, is increasingly common in people with metabolic disorders. If left unchecked, it can lead to scarring (cirrhosis) or even liver cancer.

Awareness is key: knowing the risk factors, understanding the symptoms, and making lifestyle changes can all help people protect their liver before irreversible damage occurs.

What is fatty liver disease, and why is it so common now?

Fatty liver disease (also known as hepatic steatosis) occurs when excess fat builds up inside liver cells.

Over time, this fat causes inflammation, swelling and damage. In severe cases, it can progress to cirrhosis or even liver cancer.

There are two broad types:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now more precisely called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is driven by metabolic factors rather than alcohol use.

Alcoholic fatty liver disease, caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

In South Africa, rising obesity and type 2 diabetes rates are key drivers of MASLD.

What causes fatty liver disease?

Several factors can contribute to fat building up in the liver:

Obesity: Carrying too much weight, especially around the abdomen, is one of the most common causes.