UK faces ‘tsunami’ of silent killer diease in ‘people who are normal weight’

The UK faces a “tsunami” of a silent killer disease with eight major risk factors named. According to the British Liver Trust (BLT) there is an “increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity,” which could bring a liver disease “tsunami.”

Fatty liver disease is caused by a build-up of fat in the liver. It is “usually seen in people who are overweight or obese,” the NHS says. Vanessa Hebditch, from the charity, said: “There is a need for greater awareness of the link between diabetes and liver disease.

“It is well known that type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of many health issues including cardiovascular and kidney disease but it can also significantly raise your risk of fatty liver disease.” Although most cases are linked to excess weight, you can develop the disease if you have a healthy weight.

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Things which increase the risk are a weight in the overweight or obese range, a high waist measurement, Type 2 diabetes, a diet with too many unhealthy foods and drinks, low levels of physical activity or spending a lot of time sitting down, high blood lipids such as cholesterol, high blood pressure and other conditions linked to insulin resistance for example polycystic ovary syndrome.

“This means that the UK could be facing a tsunami of people newly diagnosed with fatty liver disease,” Vanessa said. Vanessa said: “If you are diagnosed with fatty liver disease, losing weight and eating a healthy diet is the first line of treatment.

“There is good evidence that losing five to 10 per cent of body weight can control and, in some cases, reverse the condition.” Signs and symptoms include a dull or aching pain in the top right of the tummy (over the lower right side of the ribs) and extreme tiredness.

Other signs could be unexplained weight loss or weakness.