Generally, when it comes to liver health, most people immediately think of alcohol or viral infections as the main causes of liver problems. But in reality, obesity is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease. The condition that results from this excess weight is called NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis).
NASH occurs when fat lodged in the liver interferes with normal liver function, causing inflammation and fibrosis. Over time, this chronic inflammation can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, a serious and potentially fatal condition. Unlike cirrhosis caused by alcohol or viral infections, cirrhosis caused by NASH occurs in people who have not binge-drinking alcohol and do not have viral hepatitis.
There are numerous cases in which patients have been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver when they went for pre-bariatric check-ups. Most of them were surprised or confused because they had not associated obesity with the risk of cirrhosis, because they were convinced that cirrhosis can only occur with excessive alcohol consumption or viral infections. It’s difficult to explain to patients how fat in the liver can have the same devastating effects as alcohol or liver viruses.
NASH can be asymptomatic, which means that many people don’t realize that their liver is already affected until they reach advanced stages of the disease. This is why regular check-ups and monitoring of metabolic health are a must for early detection and effective treatment. Doctor Dejeu’s multidisciplinary team, internationally accredited and known as the most sought-after in Romania, focuses on a holistic approach to patients’ health, offering them individualized personalized solutions to combat obesity and prevent associated conditions such as NASH and cirrhosis of the liver.
“The realization that you can return to a normal weight is the most important factor, and not only because it improves your overall health, but also saves your liver from serious distress.” – Dr. Viorel Dejeu, Surgeon of Excellence in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery
If you want to learn more about how you can protect yourself from severe complications arising from obesity, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Dejeu Clinic. We put health first!