Don’t judge a book by its cover

The liver is a large organ in the abdomen that performs many important bodily functions, such as controlling our metabolism and getting rid of toxins. Certain diseases and lifestyles can damage the liver, but there are many ways to protect this vital organ.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition where fat accumulates in and around the liver cells, changing their function and health. This increasingly common condition in the western world is likely due to our sedentary lifestyle with easy access to good food (and alcohol). Historically we have often assumed that only overweight people will develop fatty livers. However, a recent study revealed that although you may not appear to be overweight, you could still have a fatty liver.

Up to 1 in 5 people in Hong Kong have a fatty liver despite having a normal weight.

Early stages of NAFLD have no symptoms and if left untreated, can lead to more problems down the line. Diagnosing a fatty liver at any stage and making significant lifestyle changes can help to prevent future medical complications. It will also help you to feel your best with regards to your energy levels, weight control and overall quality of life.

At Central Health, we carefully assess your risk factors in combination with data from your blood tests and a harmless liver scan to accurately check the condition of your liver. This type of information can be crucial in deciding what treatment, if any is necessary to improve your liver health.