HOW OBESITY AND DIABETES EXACERBATE LIVER DISEASE IN MALAYSIA

By Syed Iylia Al-Qadri Syed Izman

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- The rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes in Malaysia is contributing to a surge in liver disease cases, with expert warning of serious long-term health consequences if left unaddressed.

Consultant General Physician and Endocrinologist at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City, Dr Lim Chong Wei said the two metabolic disorders significantly heighten the risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can progress to severe liver complications.

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He said both conditions are closely linked to NAFLD, where excess fat accumulates in the liver, leading to inflammation, fibrosis, and even cirrhosis.

Dr Lim explained that NAFLD, now also known as metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, is often a silent disease, with many patients unaware they have it until it reaches an advanced stage.

He said diabetes, particularly Type 2, accelerates liver damage by increasing insulin resistance and fat deposition in the liver, making early detection and intervention crucial.

"NAFLD has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, and in Malaysia, the combination of high-calorie diets, sedentary lifestyles, and metabolic disorders is driving its rise," he told Bernama, recently.

Last year, the Health Ministry announced that more than half of the population in Malaysia is overweight or obese, according to the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) Key Findings.

The report shows that the prevalence of overweight and obese Malaysians increasing to 54.4 per cent, compared to previous findings in 2019 at 50.1 per cent.

 The reports also highlighted the risks that came with being overweight or obese which include non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and heart diseases.

The 2023 NHMS report found that almost 2.3 million adults in Malaysia live with three NCDs.

Dr Lim noted that despite the relatively low percentage of NAFLD cases progressing to liver cirrhosis -estimated at around 1 to 2 per cent, the rate of NAFLD cases could rise due to modern dietary habits and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle in Malaysia.

"Without intervention, we may see a sharp increase in cases, overwhelming our healthcare facilities," he warned.

He stressed that early screening is crucial, especially for individuals with risk factors such as obesity and diabetes.

"Screening should include blood tests to check liver enzyme levels and abdomen ultrasound imaging to detect fatty deposits in the liver. These simple tests can help diagnose the condition before severe damage occurs," he explained.

Dr Lim emphasised that many individuals with fatty liver disease may not show symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage and this makes it even more important for those at risk to undergo regular health screenings.

To curb the growing crisis, Dr Lim stressed the importance of lifestyle modifications, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight.

"Patients with diabetes should have their liver function regularly monitored, as early intervention can prevent complications such as liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (primary tumor of the liver)," he advised.

For those diagnosed with NAFLD, he recommended targeted weight management programmes, increased physical activity, and strict control of blood sugar levels, adding that even modest weight loss of 5 to 10 per cent can significantly reduce liver fat and inflammation.

-- BERNAMA