According to a new study from Keck Medicine of USC, those who consume fast food on a regular basis might be at risk of developing liver disease. The research, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, suggests that frequent consumption of fast food is associated with an increased risk of fatty liver disease.
Fatty liver disease (FLD) is when there’s an accumulation of fat in the liver cells. This can lead to inflammation and damage to the organ. FLD can be caused by obesity, diabetes, and alcohol abuse, but it’s been found that excess consumption of fast food may also be a contributing factor.
The Keck Medicine study looked at over 1,800 participants aged 19-64 who had no history of any type of liver disease or previous diagnosis of fatty liver disease. After collecting data on their dietary habits and physical activity levels for one year, researchers concluded that those who ate more fast food were significantly more likely to have higher levels of fat in their livers than those who did not eat as much fast food. They also found that higher-calorie meals consisting of burgers and pizza were linked with greater risks than lower-calorie items like sandwiches or salads.
What Can You Do? The best way to reduce your risk for FLD is to reduce your consumption of fast food and maintain a healthy diet overall. Eating too much-processed foods can lead to weight gain, metabolic syndrome, and other health complications—all factors associated with fatty liver disease. Additionally, exercising regularly has been proven to decrease the amount of fat stored in the liver, so staying active should be part of your plan as well!
It’s important to remember that fatty liver disease can have serious implications for our health if left untreated. Fortunately, this latest study from Keck Medicine gives us another reason to limit our intake of unhealthy foods such as fast food and focus instead on eating nutritious meals that will keep us energized throughout the day! Although it may take some time and effort to adjust your diet accordingly, taking these steps now could potentially save you from serious health risks down the road. So make sure you check for signs such as abdominal pain or weight loss that could indicate you need medical attention!
