7 million in Taiwan affected by fatty liver

台灣有近700萬人患有脂肪肝

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Advancing Clinical Treatment – Hepatitis & Liver Disease group said Tuesday that 7 million people in Taiwan are affected by fatty liver, with 40% of them untreated, CNA reported.

The group said that more than half of Taiwan’s population is unaware of liver conditions and since most show few early symptoms, treatment may be delayed. It added that some people with the condition are taking supplements in an attempt to prevent it from worsening.

Kao Jia-horng (高嘉宏), group chair and deputy superintendent of National Taiwan University Hospital, said that hepatitis is linked to metabolic issues such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. He added that up to 70% of people with hepatitis in Taiwan die from heart and blood vessel disease.

Kao noted that hepatitis caused by viruses is under control due to advances in medication, while cases from metabolic issues are on the rise. He highlighted the importance of abdominal ultrasound checkups to detect fatty liver.

Liu Chun-jen (劉俊人), an internal medicine doctor at National Taiwan University Hospital, said that controlling fatty liver mainly involves diet and exercise. He added that medications that reduce liver inflammation can also help manage the condition.

Liu said the Ministry of Health and Welfare has approved a new GLP-1 drug to treat hepatitis caused by metabolic issues. About 70% of people taking the medication improve and prevent further liver scarring.

The group urged people over 40 to get a health checkup every two years, maintain a balanced diet, and exercise at least 150 minutes per week. Those with unusual liver test results who are overweight should see a doctor for further evaluation.

The ministry reported that about 13,000 people die from liver disease in Taiwan annually. Liver scarring ranks ninth among the country’s leading causes of death, while liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. About 70% of liver cancer deaths are among people with hepatitis B, and 20% are among those with hepatitis C.