Medical experts have found that one in three children have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), primarily caused by excess sugar consumption. It has become a significant concern even among children aged 5-16 years. The number of children with NAFLD has risen alarmingly from 10-33 per cent in just a decade. Paediatric hepatologist at Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS), Piyush Upadhyay said the consumption of processed meals high in sugar and unhealthy fats is a major contributing factor to NAFLD in children. Upadhyay warned against the dangers of sugary drinks and junk food, explaining that triglycerides, a type of fat, accumulate in liver cells when there is an imbalance between the amount of fat the body takes in or produces and the liver’s ability to process and eliminate it. The liver normally processes and removes fats from the body.
This concerning revelation underscores the need for a greater focus on children’s dietary habits and the importance of educating parents and guardians about the potential health risks associated with excessive sugar consumption and the consumption of processed meals high in unhealthy fats. As the prevalence of NAFLD continues to rise among children, proactive measures must be taken to encourage healthier eating habits and promote overall wellbeing in the younger generation.
