10% weight loss in six months can reduce fatty liver: PGI expert

He stressed that obesity is the primary culprit and that lifestyle modification, with a goal of approximately 10% weight loss in six months, can significantly reduce fatty liver.

Covering the prevention of fatty liver, Dr Sunil Taneja explained how simple lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, can be highly effective. Dr Taneja also emphasised the link between uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension and the development of fatty liver, stressing the importance of medication compliance and consistency. He added, “Yoga is found to be immensely beneficial in both the prevention and treatment.”

Dr Arka De said that prevention and treatment practices are closely aligned. He recommended consistency with exercises and calorie restriction, providing practical examples like decreasing one’s intake by a third, such as taking two chapatis instead of three. Dr De clarified that medication is typically needed only if the disease progresses. He concluded by explaining that while the liver is a highly regenerative organ, end-stage liver failure necessitates a liver transplant. He advised patients to aim for their ideal weight, which can be calculated by subtracting 100 from their height in centimetres. Prof Duseja concluded the session by summarising that a healthy, portion-controlled diet and the avoidance of sweets, fried foods, junk foods, alcohol, and biscuits is the ultimate weapon against fatty liver disease, making the condition very treatable.