Why Are More Young People Developing Liver Problems?
Liver diseases in young people are often silent in the early stages, making them easy to overlook. However, this doesn’t mean they’re unavoidable. While liver issues were once associated mainly with older adults, there’s now a noticeable rise in cases among teenagers and young adults in their 20s and 30s.
Dr. Kapil Sharma, Director of Gastroenterology at Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad, outlines the major reasons behind this growing concern:
1. Poor Diet & Rising Obesity
The younger generation is consuming more fast food, sugary beverages, and high-calorie, processed foods. This unhealthy diet contributes to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)—a condition where fat builds up in the liver without alcohol intake. Over time, this can lead to liver inflammation, fibrosis, or even cirrhosis. Obesity, which is closely tied to NAFLD, is also on the rise due to poor dietary choices.
2. Early & Excessive Alcohol Use
Many young people are starting to drink alcohol at an earlier age and often in binge-drinking patterns. Regular or excessive alcohol consumption leads to alcoholic fatty liver, and in more severe cases, alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis. The liver gets overworked trying to process alcohol, resulting in cell damage.
3. Sedentary Lifestyle
With more time spent in front of screens and less physical activity, young people are at greater risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and fatty liver. Lack of exercise prevents the body from burning fat effectively, causing it to accumulate in the liver.
4. Viral Hepatitis (B & C)
Hepatitis B and C infections can be transmitted from mother to child, through unprotected sex, shared needles, tattoos, or piercings. These infections often have no early symptoms but can lead to long-term liver damage if undetected and untreated.
5. Overuse of Medications, Supplements & Herbal Products
The misuse or overuse of painkillers, bodybuilding supplements, or even certain herbal remedies can harm the liver. Many of these products contain hidden ingredients or steroids that are toxic when taken in large or unregulated amounts.
6. Stress, Sleep Issues & Mental Health Struggles
High stress levels, poor sleep habits, and mental health issues are common among youth. These problems affect hormone levels like cortisol and insulin, which can lead to increased fat storage in the liver. Additionally, mental health struggles often correlate with substance abuse and irregular eating habits, both of which worsen liver health.
7. Genetic & Autoimmune Liver Conditions
Conditions like Wilson’s disease, Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and autoimmune liver disorders can go unnoticed without early screening. If left untreated, they can lead to significant liver damage.
Preventive Steps
The good news is that most liver-related problems in youth are preventable. A balanced diet, regular exercise, vaccination against hepatitis, limiting alcohol intake, avoiding unnecessary medications or supplements, and routine health check-ups can go a long way in protecting liver health.
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