OFFICE WORKERS ARE EASILY ATTACKED BY "FATTY LIVER"

Due to the nature of work, which involves sitting at a computer for 8 hours a day with little movement or exercise, combined with unhealthy eating habits, many office workers accumulate excess fat in various parts of their bodies, particularly the liver. To better understand this condition and discover effective prevention, please read the article by Specialist Level 2 Doctor Ho Thi Van Hang, a specialist in Hepatology and Gastroenterology at CarePlus International Clinics. 

 1. What is fatty liver disease? 

Fatty liver disease occurs when the amount of fat in liver cells exceeds 5% of the liver's weight. 

In mild cases (grade I), fat accounts for about 5 to 10% of the liver's area. In grade II, fat constitutes more than 10% up to 25% of the liver's area. If it exceeds 25%, it is considered severe (grade III fatty liver disease). 

Fatty liver disease can lead to serious complications such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. 

2. Common causes of fatty liver disease 

- Excessive alcohol consumption 

- Overeating high-calorie foods and lack of physical activity 

- Being overweight or obese 

- Disorders of blood lipid metabolism 

- Certain medications and chemicals 

- Endocrine disorders: diabetes, hypothyroidism 

- Malnutrition after gastric or intestinal surgery 

 3. Symptoms of fatty liver disease 

Fatty liver disease often presents nonspecific symptoms. However, affected individuals may experience the following: 

- Pain in the upper right abdomen 

- Fatigue 

- Weight loss 

- Weakness, exhaustion, loss of appetite, nausea, decreased libido 

 Severe symptoms indicating liver failure include: 

- Jaundice 

- Subcutaneous bleeding 

- Leg swelling, Ascites 

 4. Treatment of fatty liver disease 

Currently, there is no specific medication for treating fatty liver disease. The best approach is regular check-ups for early detection and management, which can help restore liver health. 

Diagnostic methods for early detection of fatty liver disease include: 

- Liver enzymes and lipid profile tests 

- Abdominal ultrasound 

- Liver biopsy 

 Additionally, patients should: 

- Manage their diet to achieve and maintain a healthy weight 

- Increase physical activity 

- Treat underlying conditions such as dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and malnutrition 

 5. Prevention of fatty liver disease 

 To prevent and reduce the risk of fatty liver disease, doctors at CarePlus recommend the following: 

 - Maintain a balanced diet with regular, timely meals. Avoid eating late at night, especially after 7 PM. Limit foods high in cholesterol like organ meats, animal skin, and egg yolks. Reduce intake of animal fats. 

- Limit consumption of coffee, strong tea, tobacco, alcohol, and alcoholic beverages. Drink alcohol in moderation: Women - 1 drink/day, Men - 2 drinks/day. 

- Adopt a healthy diet: plenty of vegetables, fish, legumes; limit animal fats, sweets, and refined carbohydrates. Increase intake of plant-based foods. 

- Engage in regular physical activity. Office workers, in particular, should exercise for at least 30 minutes daily and maintain consistency. During office hours, take a five-minute break every 30 minutes to enhance calorie burning and prevent fatty liver disease. 

- Individuals at high risk for fatty liver disease should have regular check-ups to detect the condition as early as possible. 

Fatty liver can be effectively prevented and treated if detected early. For office workers, the most effective way to reduce the risk of this condition is to adopt a healthier lifestyle, maintain a balanced diet, and increase physical activity. Additionally, having regular health check-ups every six months keeps you informed about your well-being, allowing you to focus on work with peace of mind and enjoy life with your loved ones. 

CAREPLUS INTERNATIONAL CLINICS  

Associate of Singapore Medical Group