A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology revealed that fast food consumption is linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a potentially fatal illness in which fat accumulates in the liver.

According to experts, healthy livers typically contain less than 5% fat, and even a modest increase in fat can cause nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Particularly noteworthy is the sharp increase in liver fat in those with obesity or diabetes; this is likely because these illnesses increase the likelihood that fat will accumulate in the liver.

The researchers evaluated about 4,000 people′s fatty liver measurements from the survey and correlated these readings to the subjects′ fast-food intake. Around 52% of those included in the study were consuming fast food. Of these, 29% obtained at least a quarter of their daily caloric intake from fast food, which was proven by their liver fat levels rising.

The study revealed that the pattern was the same irrespective of several additional characteristics such as age, sex, race, ethnicity, alcohol consumption, and physical activity. The findings also suggest that a relatively small amount of fast food rich in fat and carbohydrates can harm the liver. People who eat at a fast food restaurant even once every day consume at least one-fifth of their daily caloric intake, which puts their liver at risk.

The study findings will persuade medical professionals to educate patients on nutrition more, especially those who are obese or diabetic and are more likely to get fatty livers from eating fast food. Currently, diet changes are the only option to treat liver steatosis.

(Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/health/fast-food-consumption-linked-to-liver-disease-469453)