There were no symptoms in the majority of patients, and no jaundice was found. The children were overweight, reluctant to play games, and displayed poor academic performance. “Soda, chocolates and processed foods like noodles and biscuits were a major part of their diet. The problem was identified by ultrasound tests and in some cases, the liver function test was found to be abnormal,” said Dr. Nageshwar Reddy, gastroenterologist, who led the study as part of an outreach program.
According to the study, a whole generation of children will be born with liver disease, with a large percentage progressing to cirrhosis in the future. Approximately 30% of the state’s population is estimated to have NAFLD, with a somewhat lower incidence among youngsters in general.
NASH leads to cirrhosis of the liver, which can eventually lead to liver cancer (2).
Currently, about 30% of the population in the state is estimated to have NAFLD, with a slightly lesser incidence among children in general.
From NASH it progresses to cirrhosis of the liver and can ultimately lead to liver cancer. While there is a marked increase in NAFLD overall with about 30% of our population having this, our study showed that NAFLD was present in 60% of the students in some elite schools. This was commonly seen in the US and Europe earlier but is now becoming common here too. The junk food children consume is largely the culprit,” Dr. Reddy added.
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A recent study by AIIMS, New Delhi, found that 30% of the general population, including youngsters, had a liver illness. It was discovered that NAFLD was less prevalent in youngsters attending government schools.
Osmania General Hospital (OGH) estimates that the instances are around 20%, but it is determined to be less than 30% in most government schools. “Obesity and NAFLD are higher among children in schools particularly in the city as many don’t have playgrounds. Also, motorized transport has replaced walking to school which has added to obesity,” said Dr. Ch Madhusudan, head of the Department of Gastroenterology at OGH.
“The incidence of NAFLD and other liver ailments is directly proportional to the incidence of obesity. We have also found in our studies that schoolchildren from affluent families have more obesity and an alarming incidence of NAFLD. This is not true for government schools though,” said paediatrician and founder, of Choice Foundation for Children, Dr. Satish Ghanta.
A recent study by AIIMS, New Delhi, found that 30% of the general population, including youngsters, had a liver illness. It was discovered that NAFLD was less prevalent in youngsters attending government schools.
Osmania General Hospital (OGH) estimates that the instances are around 20%, but it is determined to be less than 30% in most government schools.
Rising Incidence of Obesity and NAFLD Among Urban Schoolchildren
Projections by Osmania General Hospital (OGH) peg the cases at around 20%, while it’s found to be below 30% in most government schools. “Obesity and NAFLD are higher among children in schools particularly in the city as many don’t have playgrounds. Also, motorized transport has replaced walking to school which has added to obesity,” said Dr. Ch Madhusudan, head of the Department of Gastroenterology at OGH.
“The incidence of NAFLD and other liver ailments is directly proportional to the incidence of obesity. We have also found in our studies that schoolchildren from affluent families have more obesity and an alarming incidence of NAFLD. This is not true for government schools though,” said paediatrician and founder, of Choice Foundation for Children, Dr. Satish Ghanta.
References:
- https:www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1190248/full
- Mburu AN, Laving A, Macharia WM, Sande J. Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in overweight and obese children seeking ambulatory healthcare in Nairobi, Kenya. BMJ Open Gastroenterol. 2023 Feb;10(1):e001044. doi: 10.1136/bmjgast-2022-001044. PMID: 36796875; PMCID: PMC9936283.
Source: Medindia
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