45m Bangladeshi adults affected by fatty liver
A recent research has found prevalence of fatty liver, a significant contributor to liver-related mortality, in 33.86 percent or one-third of adult population -- indicating that more than 45 million Bangladeshi adults are affected by the disease.
A very sharp increase in fatty liver prevalence was observed with an increase in weight. Around 44.05 percent overweight and 63.55 percent obese participants suffer from fatty liver, according to the research.
Findings of the research were disclosed yesterday at a seminar on “Prevalence of Fatty Liver and Its Risk Factors” at Cirdap in Dhaka.
Hepatology Society, Dhaka, Bangladesh arranged the seminar prior to the first International NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) Day to be observed on June 12.
The research was designed and led by Shahinul Alam, associate professor, department of hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). Expert researchers from BSMMU, Birdem and Florida University, USA contributed to and took part in the study.
Liver disease -- such as cirrhosis and liver cancer -- is the eighth most common cause of death in Bangladesh, according to the research.
A total of 2,782 people, aged between 18 and 85, were included in the research that started in December 2015 and ended in January 2017. The highest 73.21 percent prevalence of fatty liver is among rural obese women while 71.18 percent diabetics suffer from fatty liver, according to the report.
Prof Nooruddin Ahmad, chairman, department of hepatology of BSMMU, said fatty liver can develop among urban children because of their lack of physical activity and the growing fondness for rich foods like burger.
He stressed taking preventive measures against the disease and the need for generating social awareness about it.
HSDB President Prof Mobin Khan presided over the seminar. Among others, Amir Khasru of Voice of America; Prof Mohammad Ali, secretary general of Liver Foundation of Bangladesh; and researcher Shahinul Alam spoke at the event.
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