By Express News Service

BENGALURU: High-fat diet and lack of exercise are leading to rising incidence of liver diseases among people aged below 40 in the city, said gastroenterologists at Vikram hospital here on Tuesday.

According to the doctors, liver diseases are among the major causes of death in the city. Most patients are men and the average age of liver disease patients is 40-45 years, but younger people are also getting increasingly affected due to lifestyle-related causes like alcoholism, they said.

“Liver diseases are currently among the top 10 causes of death in the city and the country at large, a situation that is going to get worse in the coming years,” said Dr C Vikram Belliappa, consultant surgical gastroenterologist, Vikram Hospital. “According to WHO, about 10 lakh people are diagnosed with liver cirrhosis every year in India. The average age of liver disease patients is 40-45 years, but now much younger patients are also getting affected due to alcoholism, high-fat diet and a lifestyle lacking in exercise. Urban poor are the most hit, though males have a much higher incidence of liver diseases than females,” he said.

Dr Dheeraj Karanth C, medical gastroenterologist, Vikram Hospital, said, “The cure for severe liver diseases is a liver transplant. New approaches such as stem cell therapy are also being researched. Fatigue, jaundice, itching and loss of appetite are some early symptoms of liver diseases.” Ahead of World Liver Day, 32 of the 70 doctors working at the hospital pledged to donate their organs, including their liver.

For a healthy liver

Eat a diet which is low in fat: grains, proteins, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and fats. Include green leafy vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, carrot, apple and walnut

Ensure safe blood transfusions

to avoid contracting Hepatitis

A, B and C.

Say no to alcohol, tobacco and drugs

Follow safe sexual habits

Exercise regularly