THE UK’s leading liver health charity, British Liver Trust, warns that rising obesity levels in Wales will lead to more cases of fatty liver disease, which is set to overtake alcohol as the leading cause of liver disease in the Wales unless urgent action is taken.
The warning comes as new statistics, released by the National Survey for Wales 2017-18, found that 6 in 10 adults in Wales were classified as overweight or obese.
Non-alcohol related fatty liver disease is a build-up of fat in the liver, and two to three people in every ten reportedly have this condition and the charity warns that even young children can suffer from it.
In most people it is not harmful, but sometimes it can get worse, causing the liver to scar and for some people, it can cause the liver to stop working completely.
Angie Contestabile, Public Affairs and Engagement Manager for Wales at the British Liver Trust said:
"Obesity is one of the main reasons that we are seeing huge increases in the number of people developing liver disease.
“One in five of us are already likely to have the early stages of fatty liver disease and many people are unaware that being overweight is a significant risk factor.
“The recent statistics are alarming especially as it is also highlighted that less than a quarter of adults in Wales eat five portions of fruit and vegetables every day and a third do little to no exercise.”
Liver disease is one of the leading causes of premature death in England & Wales, with over 40 people dying from the disease every day.
In Wales, 807 died of liver disease in 2015 alone, representing an increase of almost 20% in the country over the past five years.
The British Liver Trust’s Love Your Liver campaign focuses on three simple steps to Love Your Liver back to health:
·Cut down on sugar, carbohydrates and fat, and take more exercise
·Drink within recommended limits and have three consecutive days off alcohol every week
·Know the risk factors for viral hepatitis and get tested or vaccinated if at risk
You can find out if you are at risk of liver disease and check your liver health online by doing an online screening test at https://www.britishlivertrust.org.uk/screener
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here