Photo : BSS

DHAKA, June 19, 2025 (BSS) – A recent study has revealed that one in every three adults in Bangladesh is affected by fatty liver, primarily due to high consumption of carbohydrates and a sedentary lifestyle.

The report highlighted individuals who frequently eat out, remain seated for over five hours a day, and engage in minimal physical activity are at the greatest risk of developing the condition.

Distinguished physicians, nutritionists, and scientists discussed it at an awareness seminar titled “Eat light, walk right — keep fatty liver out of sight”, held at the Super Specialized Hospital of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), according to a press release.

The seminar was organized by BMU as part of observance of the 8th Global Fatty Liver Day on June 12, under the global theme “Act Now, Screen Today.”

Warning everyone, they said fatty liver has become a concerning global public health issue as it is now surpassing viral infections as the leading cause of chronic liver inflammation.

Referencing the study, they also revealed that approximately 45 million people are suffering from fatty liver in the country, and among them, around 10 million are at risk of developing liver cirrhosis or liver cancer.

They, however, said that in most cases, fatty liver and NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) can be prevented simply by changing dietary habits, incorporating regular walking, adopting a healthier lifestyle, and losing weight.

They also stressed the importance of obligating food producers to create health-friendly food products.

With BMU Vice Chancellor and President of Hepatology Society Professor Dr Md Shahinul Alam in the chair, former caretaker government's health adviser and fellow Bangladesh Academy of Science Maj Gen Professor (Dr) ASM Matiur Rahman (Retd) was present a chief guest, and Dr Md Golam Azam, liver specialist at BIRDEM Hospital, spoke as main speaker.

Matiur Rahman emphasized the need for a collaborative, multi-sectoral, and multidisciplinary approach to address fatty liver disease. He stressed that effective prevention must begin at the national and policy-making levels, while also engaging communities through targeted programs. 

In addition, public awareness should start from early childhood to ensure long-term impact, he added.

Mentioning the preventing fatty liver is the most effective form of treatment, Shahinul Alam said the disease can be detected through a single diagnostic test and emphasized the importance of providing patient-centered, scientific care tailored to the specific type of fatty liver.

To combat the disease effectively, he urged a coordinated effort among the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Religion, Ministry of Education, LGED, and other relevant ministries and institutions.

The Physicians, nutritionists, and scientists participating in the discussion outlined a national action plan to combat fatty liver disease in Bangladesh. They recommended that individuals should engage in walking at least five days a week for a minimum of 30 minutes. Exercises such as jumping rope and cycling were also encouraged as effective physical activities, they added.

They also emphasized the need to reduce calorie intake by adopting healthier dietary habits—specifically, increasing the consumption of milk, fruits, and vegetables, while limiting sugary foods, soft drinks, chocolates, ice cream, fast food, and fried items containing trans fats.

To promote physical activity, they called for creating supportive environments, includes mandating playgrounds in every school and administrative ward, and encouraging all children to participate in sports and recreational activities.

They said public awareness campaigns should promote the avoidance of junk food and processed items high in saturated fat, sugar, and salt.

Besides, regulations must ensure that food manufacturers produce nutritionally safe processed foods—free from trans fats, excessive saturated fats, sugar, and salt, they said, adding, people should be encouraged to choose fresh fruit juice and water over soft drinks. 

Moreover, all medical professionals should receive proper training on fatty liver disease, understand its risks, and focus on high-risk groups to prevent fatal outcomes, they added.

One of the main causes of liver cirrhosis and cancer is inflammation caused by fat accumulation in the liver. In medical terminology, this is called steatohepatitis. The inflammation in the liver due to excessive fat buildup is known as steatohepatitis.

The dangerous outcome of fatty liver is NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis), and if it is left undiagnosed and uncontrolled, fatty liver can dangerously progress toward NASH.

Apart from causing inflammation, fat accumulation in the liver has several other harmful effects. This condition is directly associated with heart disease, diabetes, and reduced effectiveness of the insulin hormone in the body.

Like in many other parts of the world, the prevalence of this disease is increasing at an alarming rate in Bangladesh as well.