Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), commonly known as fatty liver disease, was once thought to primarily affect adult. But today, more and more children are getting affected by this condition. This occurs when the liver accumulates an excessive amount of fat. This can cause problems because the liver is very important for keeping the body healthy. Fatty liver in children is often linked to their diet, physical activity and overall metabolism.
Types of Fatty Liver Disease
There are two main types of fatty liver disease:
- Mild Fatty Liver: When fat makes up about 5-20% of the liver, the condition is mild. With the right care, this type can be reversed, and the liver can return to normal.
- Severe Fatty Liver: If fat builds up to around 30% or more of the liver, it can become dangerous. Without proper treatment, it may lead to serious damage such as fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis (severe scarring and poor liver function), and in worst cases, liver cancer.
Causes of Children Getting Fatty Liver
The rise of fatty liver disease in children is linked to two major global health issues:
- Increasing prevalence of childhood obesity (excessive weight gain)
- Rising numbers of type 2 diabetes
Several factors contribute to fatty liver disease in children:
- Poor diet: Eating too many sugary drinks, junk food, processed snacks, and foods high in carbohydrates.
- Lack of exercise: Spending a lot of time sitting, playing on phones, or watching TV instead of moving around.
- Family history: If liver problems or metabolic diseases run in the family, children are more at risk.
Signs and Symptoms
Fatty liver disease is frequently referred to as a “silent” condition since children often don’t display any symptoms at first.
Symptoms may only become noticeable later and can include:
- Feeling tired or weak
- Mild pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the belly
- In advanced cases, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) and swelling of the belly may occur
- How Parents Can Help Prevent and Manage Fatty Liver
Parents play a crucial role in protecting their children from fatty liver disease.
Here are some simple steps:
- Encourage healthy eating: Offer plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins like chicken or fish. Limit sugary drinks and processed foods as much as possible.
- Promote physical activity: Help your child stay active by encouraging at least one hour of moderate to intense exercise every day. This could be playing outside, cycling, dancing, or any fun activity that gets them moving. Also, reduce time spent on screens like phones, tablets, and TV.
- Ensure enough sleep: Healthy sleep is important. Try to help your child get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
- Monitor weight and growth: Keep track of your child’s weight and growth with the help of healthcare providers. If your child is overweight or has a family history of liver disease or diabetes, regular health check-ups are especially important.
- Regular medical check-ups: Doctors may suggest blood tests or imaging scans to check how the liver is working, especially if your child is at risk.
Fatty liver disease in children is becoming more common, but it can be managed and even reversed with the right lifestyle changes. Healthy eating, staying active, getting good sleep and regular doctor visits can help keep your child’s liver healthy. If you notice any symptoms or have concerns, talk to your doctor early. Taking action now can prevent serious liver problems later.
