Fatty Liver - India's New Epidemic - One in Three Children Has It
This year, Mishra's 12-year-old son received a fatty liver diagnosis. When the youngster was examined for stomach injuries following an accident at school, the diagnosis was made by accident. An enlarged liver was seen by the doctors. Grade 1 fatty liver, at which the disease can be rectified, was verified by further testing.
Approximately one in three (35%) indian children have metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), according to a new study conducted by the All india Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. To avoid stigmatizing labels linked to alcohol intake, this is the new name used to categorize non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children.
When the liver's cells contain an excessive amount of fat, MASLD develops. Although there are several causes for this, excessive calorie consumption and the ensuing low levels of exercise are the most frequent ones. Children often have extra liver fat but no accompanying inflammation or cell damage.
Regretfully, the illness is quiet and takes a long time to manifest symptoms. Obese children should be evaluated for the problem between the ages of 9 and 11, according to the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. Screening should also be done for children with a family history of the disorder. The diagnostic techniques may precisely measure the amount of fat in the liver and are often imaging-based.
Educating kids about the negative effects of foods like chips, soda, and sweets on their health is another strategy to encourage them to adopt a healthy diet and weight. On the other hand, the advantages of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It has been demonstrated that education and awareness are significantly more effective than compulsion or threat in helping kids make healthy lifestyle choices.