Eating too much in fast food can cause non -alcoholic liver steatosis, i.e. the accumulation of fat in the liver that leads to the increase in the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure and tumors
In recent decades the Fast food consumption It has increased considerably, becoming a usual component of the diet of many people. However, a study of the Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California highlighted a worrying link between this type of diet and the non -alcoholic liver steatosis (NAFLD), a condition in which fat accumulates in the liver, increasing the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure and tumors.
The research, published in the magazine Clinical gastroenterology and hepatologyanalyzed the data of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2018, examining the eating habits of about 4,000 adults.
The results showed that fast food consumption negatively affects liver healthespecially in people with obesity or diabetes. In particular, those who take at least 20% of daily calories from these foods have levels of liver fat significantly higher Compared to those who consume lower quantities.
52% of respondents regularly consume Fast Food
Ani Kardashian, hepatologist and main author of the study, explained that a healthy liver should contain Less than 5% of fat. However, even a moderate increase in this percentage can lead to progressive liver damage. The risk is even higher for those suffering from metabolic conditions such as diabetes and obesitywhich make the liver more susceptible to the accumulation of fat.
An alarming data that emerged from the study is that 52% Interviewees consumes fast food regularly, while 29% take at least one fifth of their daily caloric needs. In the latter group a significant increase in liver fatconfirming the danger of an apparently harmless habit. Even after taking into account other factors such as age, sex, alcohol consumption and physical activity, the link between fast food and liver steatosis has remained evident.
The consumption of garbage food has grown over the past 50 years, regardless of the economic status of people, and has undergone a further surge during the Covid-19 pandemic. This increase may have contributed to a further diffusion of liver steatosismaking an intervention in the field of food education even more urgent.
The only way to prevent and treat this pathology is improve your dietreducing the consumption of fast food and preferring healthy and balanced foods. Experts hope that these new discoveries can sensitize both the population and health workers, so that healthier lifestyles are promoted.