Obesity and Liver Disease
Dr. James Rouse says obesity increases the risk of developing one or more chronic and possibly life-threatening diseases, like liver disease.
Obesity and overweight are major health problems all over the world; especially in the United States, where approximately 300,000 people lose their lives as a consequence of being obese. Obesity, defined as having excess body fat (over 30%) and/or a body mass index (BMI) of over 30, increases the risk of developing one or more chronic and possibly life-threatening diseases including coronary heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, high blood pressure, cerebrovascular disase, gout, sleep apnea and liver disease, specifically nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) includes anumber of liver disorders including fatty liver (aka steatosis), liver inflammation, and advanced scarring known as cirrhosis of the liver. NAFLD is mostly seen in developed countires like the U.S. where sedentary lifestyles, high sugar intake and high fat intake contribute to obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes. The United States Centers for Disease Control reports that NAFLD is the most widespread liver disease in the U.S and it is also arising in American children.
NAFLD can easily go unnoticed. Most people don’t experience symptoms right away, but blood tests will likely reveal elevated levels of liver enzymes and/or elevated triglycerides. As the disease progresses, fluid can accumulate in the legs, the abdomen, mental confusion, liver cirrhosis, and esophageal bleeding can also occur. Worst case scenario is that NAFLD progresses into cirrhosis and an increased risk for developing liver cancer. This should be enough incentive to consider lifestyle and dietary modification.
Recent research out of UT Southwestern Medical Center demonstrated that a low-carbohydrate diet (20% carbohydrate) beats a low-calorie diet (40% carbohydrate) when it comes to NAFLD. In a small study of 14 obese or overweight adults, the low-carbohydrate dieters experienced a greater weight loss compared to those on the low-calorie diet. The low-carbohydrate diet resulted in a greater degree of oxidation of fat in the liver compared to the low-calorie diet. The researchers determined that under the conditions of a low-carbohydrate diet, the liver burns excess fat for energy. This then translates to more overall fat-burning in the body.
We know from previous examination into low-carbohydrate diets that individuals tend to lose weight rather quickly when they restrict carbohydrates. The challenge will be in determining the long-term safety and feasiblility of low-carbohydrate diets or as some would call it “carbohydrate-restrictive” diets.
March 23, 2010
by Optimum WellnessComments
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