Guest Writer: Gina Villiotti Madison, NASH kNOWledge Executive Director
Fatty liver disease is rising at pandemic levels but few are talking about it, especially in the Hispanic/Latino community. Often referred to as a “silent epidemic,” fatty liver disease occurs when there is excess fat in the liver (5% to 10% of the liver’s weight). Symptoms are often silent until significant liver damage has occurred.
Studies have consistently shown that Hispanics have a disproportionately high risk of developing fatty liver disease. It is estimated that nearly half (48%) of Hispanic Americans have a fatty liver, compared to 25-33% of the total American population. Most studies tend to treat the Hispanic population as a single group, but a few recent studies have subdivided the population and indicate that Mexican Americans have the highest rate of prevalence.
The principal risk factors associated with the development of fatty liver disease are type 2 diabetes and obesity. Hispanics tend to have higher rates of both conditions. The development of these diseases are largely driven by diet and exercise. A diet higher in added sugar and processed foods and low levels of physical activity contributes to both conditions, and ultimately fatty liver. The consumption of sodas, juices, sports drinks and even moderate amounts of alcohol further contribute to the risk.
These factors are certainly not unique to Hispanics but what does uniquely affect the Hispanic community is genetics. There is a PNPLA3 gene variation that disproportionately affects Hispanics and has been associated with a heightened risk of fatty liver.
The good news is that fatty liver can often be reversed through lifestyle changes if caught early enough. There is currently no medical treatment available. A good first step is to ask your doctor to test your liver enzyme levels with a liver function panel test.
More information about fatty liver disease, risk factors, nutrition, non-invasive tests, questions to ask your doctor and more can be found at http://www.higadograso.org or www.nash-now.org. NASH kNOWledge also runs a Zoom-based Liver Disease Support Group and just recently started a Spanish language group to support the growing community need. NASH kNOWledge is a local organization founded by a liver transplant recipient who has made it his mission to raise more awareness about fatty liver disease and has especially prioritized awareness and education in the Hispanic/Latino community.
