What is Fatty Liver in Children?

What is Fatty Liver in Children?

Fatty Liver in children, also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a medical condition when excess fat accumulates in the liver. It doesn't always lead to liver damage but can cause liver inflammation, scarring, and other complications. Children with this condition are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet, regular physical activity, and keeping their weight and other health issues under control to prevent complications.

Fatty Liver in children, also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a medical condition when excess fat accumulates in the liver. It doesn't always lead to liver damage but can cause liver inflammation, scarring, and other complications. Children with this condition are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet, regular physical activity, and keeping their weight and other health issues under control to prevent complications.

Causes

Although the exact cause of fatty liver in children is still unknown, it is believed that the below factors can increase the risk of this liver disease —

• Obesity:

Being obese or overweight is one of the primary risk factors for fatty liver disease.

• Unhealthy diet:

Processed foods, food high in fat and calories, saturated fats, and sugary beverages increase the risk of obesity and fatty liver disease.

• Sedentary lifestyle:

Lack of physical activity is linked to an increased risk of fatty liver disease in children. Exercising regularly helps in weight management and improves insulin sensitivity, thus minimising risk of the disease.

• Rapid weight loss:

This can lead to accumulation of fat in the liver.

• Insulin resistance:

When your child’s body becomes resistant or doesn’t respond to insulin, there’s a high risk of developing fatty liver. Insulin resistance leads to increased production of insulin by the pancreas, thereby leading to fat accumulation in the liver.

• Other medical conditions:

Medical conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, hepatitis C, and obstructive sleep apnoea increase the risk of fatty liver in children.

• Heredity:

If siblings or parents suffer from fatty liver, there’s a likelihood of the baby getting it.