Concerning rates of Fatty Liver disease among the Sri Lankan population, says Dr. Udaya Ralapanawa, a professor at the Peradeniya University Faculty of Medicine and director of the Hypertension Testing Center at the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital.
According to Dr. Ralapanawa’s findings, approximately 36.6% of the urban population in Sri Lanka is affected by Fatty Liver disease, with 25% of them being women. Among the rural population, the prevalence of the condition is lower, at around 18%, attributed to their physically demanding work.
Fatty Liver disease can be caused by various factors, including heavy alcohol consumption. The accumulation of excessive fat in the liver can lead to liver damage and cirrhosis. Dr. Ralapanawa warns that without proper treatment to control fat accumulation, individuals are at risk of developing cirrhosis, which can be life-threatening.
Several lifestyle factors contribute to the excessive fat deposition in the liver, such as an improper diet, reliance on fast food, lack of exercise, and stress. The coexistence of other conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure alongside fatty liver can accelerate the risk of death.
Fatty Liver disease is often asymptomatic until it progresses to cirrhosis. Therefore, the condition is often referred to as a “silent menace.” It is particularly prevalent among young individuals, and obese children are also at higher risk of developing the disease.
When the condition advances to cirrhosis, symptoms such as facial darkening, yellowing of the eyes, and abdominal swelling may appear. Dr. Ralapanawa advises individuals in risk groups to undergo tests to detect fat accumulation in the liver and be aware of the functions of their liver to manage and prevent potential complications.
