Can an underweight person also get Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver?

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Last Updated on August 19, 2022 by Team THIP

Yes. Fatty liver can even happen to people who appear lean or thin. There is a common misconception that fatty liver can happen only to those who are fat or those who consume too much alcohol.

Research states that malnutrition, whether characterised by too much or lack of nutrient intake, is detrimental to the liver. The association between overnutrition and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is well studied. On the contrary, the link between undernutrition and liver injury is more complex and less understood.

In developing countries, early exposure to nutrient deficiency leads to marasmus and kwashiorkor, accompanied by fatty liver, whereas in developed countries, anorexia nervosa is a more common form of undernutrition, which is associated with liver injury. Weight gain in undernutrition is associated with liver function improvement. There are no studies available on the impact of macronutrient distribution. Further studies are warranted to update the knowledge regarding undernutrition-related liver disease.

According to a study, the prevalence of NAFLD was significantly higher among underweight Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients as compared to normal-weight patients (87.6% versus 21.5%). The levels of liver fat in normal-weight IBD patients were reduced by 19% on an average as compared to underweight patients. Similar results were found among non-IBD individuals with normal body weight who had a 25% reduction of liver fat on an average as compared to underweight subjects.

Patients with extremely low body weight (BMI lower than 17.5 kg/m²) had the highest levels of liver fat, which is on an average 15% more than that of underweight patients (BMI between 17.5-18.5 kg/m²).

In addition, the levels of liver enzymes and liver size were slightly increased in underweight IBD patients, “hinting at initial metabolic disturbances”, the researchers said. No significant differences in medical history were found between underweight and normal-weight patients.

“Presence of fatty liver in underweight patients should not be neglected, as it could indicate a higher risk for metabolic disorders or even hint at a different entity of non-metabolic NAFLD. Further investigations are needed especially in a set of underweight patients without diagnosis of physical disorders to better understand the association between relevant underweight and liver disease”, the researchers concluded.

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Last Updated on August 19, 2022 by Team THIP

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Last Updated on August 19, 2022 by Team THIP

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on August 19, 2022 by Team THIP

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on August 19, 2022 by Team THIP

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on August 19, 2022 by Team THIP

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Last Updated on August 19, 2022 by Team THIP

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on August 19, 2022 by Team THIP

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on August 19, 2022 by Team THIP

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on August 19, 2022 by Team THIP

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on August 19, 2022 by Team THIP

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Dr. Shikha Shiromani
Dr. Shikha Shiromani
A dental surgeon by education and medical writer by profession, Shikha is passionate to bring her knowledge and experience in busting the myths around medicine and health. At THIP, she is involved in researching, fact-checking and answering all kinds of questions related to health.
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