Fatty Liver Disease Becomes Common Chronic Liver Issue in Children, Mangaluru Doctors Report
Fatty liver disease, once considered rare in children, is now emerging as a common cause of chronic liver disease among the pediatric population, according to medical experts in Mangaluru. Speaking on the sidelines of World Liver Day, Dr. Swathi Rao, a consultant paediatric intensivist at KMC Hospital, highlighted a concerning trend: over the past decade, cases of fatty liver disease among children in Mangaluru have increased by nearly 10%.
Prevalence and Demographics of Pediatric Fatty Liver
In the general paediatric population, the prevalence of fatty liver disease is now estimated at 5% to 10%, with some studies suggesting that nearly one in ten children may be affected. Among overweight or obese children, the numbers are significantly higher, ranging between 30% and 50%. Dr. Rao noted that the condition is being detected in younger children, especially from urban areas. "We are identifying early fatty-liver changes in children as young as 6 to 7 years old, although it is more common in the 12 to 18 age group," she explained.
Causes and Risk Factors Driving the Increase
The rise in fatty liver disease is closely linked to increasing childhood obesity, which saw a significant spike during the pandemic years. Sedentary lifestyles, prolonged screen time, and unhealthy eating habits have created what experts describe as a "double hit" on children's metabolic health. "High intake of sugary drinks, junk food, and ultra-processed diets, combined with a lack of physical activity, is driving fat accumulation in the liver," Dr. Rao elaborated. Many children show no obvious symptoms initially. When symptoms do appear, they may include fatigue, mild abdominal discomfort, weight gain around the waist, or darkened skin around the neck, which is a sign of insulin resistance.
Long-Term Health Risks and Complications
Dr. Rao emphasized that children with fatty liver disease face a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease later in life. She stressed the importance of simple lifestyle changes to mitigate these risks, recommending at least one hour of daily physical activity, limiting screen time to 1–2 hours, and avoiding screen exposure for toddlers.
Expert Insights on Screening and Awareness
Dr. Anurag Shetty, a consultant in medical gastroenterology at KMC Hospital, added that liver disease is often silent in its early stages. "Fatty liver is closely linked to conditions such as obesity, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, diabetes, and hypertension, and it also increases the risk of serious complications like cirrhosis and liver cancers," he said. Furthermore, those with fatty liver are at risk of developing other diseases, including heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes. Dr. Shetty called for targeted screening of high-risk groups, such as individuals with obesity and diabetes, along with greater awareness through outreach programs, public health events, and sustained messaging via social and digital media focusing on healthy diet and lifestyle changes.
The medical community in Mangaluru urges parents and caregivers to prioritize preventive measures to combat this growing health issue among children.
