A routine blood test at age 47 revealed a serious health issue: fatty liver disease. For Jane Alexander, this diagnosis was a wake-up call to drastically alter her lifestyle, which had included a nightly glass or two of wine and a stressful routine of managing a career and caring for family.
Fatty liver disease, now medically termed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is a growing concern, affecting an estimated one in five Britons. Unlike alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD), MASLD is primarily linked to metabolic and lifestyle factors such as being overweight, type 2 diabetes, poor diet, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and lack of physical activity. Some individuals may have a combination of metabolic issues and alcohol consumption, a condition known as MetALD.
A Silent Epidemic
Liver disease often progresses silently, with few noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Fatigue and a general feeling of lethargy can be the only signs, which can easily be attributed to a busy lifestyle. Vanessa Hebditch, director of policy at the British Liver Trust, described it as a "silent epidemic," noting a significant four-fold increase in liver disease mortality over the past 50 years, resulting in over 11,000 deaths annually in the UK. The mortality rate for liver disease is the only major disease group in which death rates are rising. MASLD specifically has seen a 150 percent increase since 1990, with alarming figures indicating that one in ten children may have early signs of the condition.
The Path to Recovery
Alexander's GP pointed out that liver disease is not solely caused by excessive alcohol consumption. The diagnosis prompted Alexander to stop drinking alcohol entirely for over a year, during which she lost three stone and began exercising regularly.
Even with weight loss and increased activity, her liver test scores remained inconsistent. She identified a significant sugar habit as another contributing factor. Research suggests that sugar addiction can lead to insulin resistance, promoting fat accumulation and inflammation in the liver. Alexander participated in a "sugar detox" program aimed at breaking these cravings and resetting her taste buds.
Juls Abernethy, co-founder of The Body Retreat, a program focused on lifestyle changes, noted that liver health is often overlooked. While participants may not initially seek treatment for liver issues, many experience improved test results afterward. The retreat's program involves cutting out a significant portion of sugars and then carefully reintroducing them. Alexander found the process challenging but ultimately beneficial, leading to a reduction in her cravings.
Ongoing Management and Prevention
Currently, there is no specific drug therapy approved for MASLD, though some treatments are in late-stage trials. GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic, are being studied for their potential to reduce liver fat, improve insulin resistance, and aid weight loss. However, experts emphasize that prevention and lifestyle changes remain the most effective strategies.
The British Liver Trust recommends using their free online "Love Your Liver" risk checker to assess personal risk and decide whether to consult a healthcare professional. Alexander, who now openly shares her experience, expressed gratitude for her diagnosis, which ultimately motivated her to prioritize her liver health through regular testing and sustained lifestyle changes. The organization stresses that individuals should not hesitate to discuss liver health concerns with their GP.
