X
TAP top app download banner
theAsianparent Singapore Logo
theAsianparent Singapore Logo
Product Guide
Sign in
  • Together Against RSV
  • Pregnancy
    • Due date calculator
    • I'm pregnant
    • Trying To Conceive
    • Labour
    • After birth
    • Baby loss
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Child
    • Newborn
    • Baby
    • Toddler
    • Pre-Schooler
    • Kid
    • Pre-Teen & Teen
  • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diseases-Injuries
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Meal Planner
    • Health
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Pre-School
    • Primary School
    • Secondary School
    • Primary School Directory
  • Lifestyle
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Fitness
    • Contests & promotions
  • Events
  • Holiday Hub
  • Aptamil
    • Immunity
    • Intelligence
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Project Sidekicks
  • Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • VIP

More People Succumbing To Fatty Liver Disease In Singapore!

4 min read
More People Succumbing To Fatty Liver Disease In Singapore!

A new type of fatty liver disease is on the rise in Singapore. How is it diagnosed and treated?

Traditionally, liver disease has often been linked to alcohol consumption. But of late, a new type of liver disease is on the rise in Singapore. It is known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

If recent studies are any indication, NAFLD could well be affecting half of the adults here in Singapore.

Fatty liver disease in Singapore

According to The Straits Times, the study was conducted by SingHealth doctors. Professor Pierce Chow, the lead doctor in the study, said it probably means that the rate here could be higher than the Asian average of about 30 per cent of adults.

People with NAFLD also tend to have increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels. What makes this disease especially lethal is its lack of symptoms; because of which non alcoholic fatty liver disease is rarely discovered until its too late.

fatty-liver-1

Image source: iStock

There seems to be increasing evidence of obesity being linked to fatty liver disease. The more obese a person, the greater are the chances of him having a fatty liver.

So it comes as no surprise that fatty liver disease is a growing concern in many developed countries that face increasing obesity. Indians seem to be more at risk from this disease.

If left untreated, NAFLD can progress to more advanced liver disease such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Who is at risk for fatty liver disease in Singapore?

You are at an increased risk of NAFLD if you:

  • are obese or overweight – particularly if you have a lot of fat around your waist and abdomen.
  • have type 2 diabetes
  • have high blood pressure
  • have high cholesterol
  • are over the age of 50
  • smoke

Symptoms of NAFLD

There aren’t usually any symptoms of NAFLD in the early stages. In the later stages, symptoms may include:

  • a dull or aching pain in the top right of the tummy (over the lower right side of the ribs)
  • fatigue (extreme tiredness)
  • loss of appetite
  • weakness

If cirrhosis (the most advanced stage) develops, you can get more severe symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice), itchy skin, and swelling in the legs, ankles, feet or tummy.

How NAFLD is diagnosed

NAFLD is often diagnosed after a blood test called a liver function test produces an abnormal result and other liver conditions, such as hepatitis, are ruled out. The condition may also be spotted during an ultrasound scan of the tummy.

Managing fatty liver disease in Singapore

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the main way of managing NAFLD. Especially with so many ‘fast’ food options and so little time. Here is what we should aim for:

  • Lose weight – Aim for a BMI of 18.5-24.9
  • Eat a healthy diet – Try to have a balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, protein and carbohydrates, but low in fat, sugar and salt. Eating smaller portions of food can help too.
fatty-liver-2

Image source: iStock

  • Exercise regularly – aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, such as walking or cycling, a week. All types of exercise can help improve NAFLD, even if you don’t lose weight.
  • Stop smoking – Doing so can help reduce your risk of problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
  • Quit drinking  – NAFLD isn’t caused by alcohol, but drinking may make the condition worse. It’s therefore advisable to cut down or stop drinking alcohol.

Treatment for fatty liver disease in Singapore

Currently, there is no medication that can treat NAFLD, but various medicines can be useful in managing the problems associated with the condition.

The doctor may recommend medication to treat high blood pressure, treat high cholesterol, treat type 2 diabetes and/or treat obesity.

If you develop severe cirrhosis and your liver stops working properly, you may need to get a liver transplant.

ALSO READ:

Partner Stories
Not Just a Bite – The Hidden Costs of Dengue for Families in Singapore
Not Just a Bite – The Hidden Costs of Dengue for Families in Singapore
Mom, Is Your Baby's Mouth Ulcer Keeping You Up at Night?
Mom, Is Your Baby's Mouth Ulcer Keeping You Up at Night?
Gentle Relief for Mummy and Baby
Gentle Relief for Mummy and Baby
Busting Eczema Myths: The Truth About Managing This Skin Condition
Busting Eczema Myths: The Truth About Managing This Skin Condition

Dad donates liver to son

(Source: The Straits Times, Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease)

Be sure to check out theAsianparent Community for more insightful stories, questions, and answers from parents and experts alike. If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from sg.theAsianparent.com!

https://t.me/theAsianparentSG

 

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Jaya

  • Home
  • /
  • Health
  • /
  • More People Succumbing To Fatty Liver Disease In Singapore!
Share:
  • Living Room Kids vs Bedroom Kids: Understanding Your Child’s Space

    Living Room Kids vs Bedroom Kids: Understanding Your Child’s Space

  • Not Just a Bite – The Hidden Costs of Dengue for Families in Singapore
    Partner Stories

    Not Just a Bite – The Hidden Costs of Dengue for Families in Singapore

  • Parkway East Hospital Enhances Pediatric Care with New Urgent Care Centre

    Parkway East Hospital Enhances Pediatric Care with New Urgent Care Centre

  • Living Room Kids vs Bedroom Kids: Understanding Your Child’s Space

    Living Room Kids vs Bedroom Kids: Understanding Your Child’s Space

  • Not Just a Bite – The Hidden Costs of Dengue for Families in Singapore
    Partner Stories

    Not Just a Bite – The Hidden Costs of Dengue for Families in Singapore

  • Parkway East Hospital Enhances Pediatric Care with New Urgent Care Centre

    Parkway East Hospital Enhances Pediatric Care with New Urgent Care Centre

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
  • Family Occasions
  • Lifestyle
  • Normal Delivery
  • Ages & Stages
  • Trying To Conceive
  • News
  • TAP Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
© Copyright theAsianparent 2025. All rights reserved
About Us|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it