Continue with Google
KATHMANDU, June 14: Liver cirrhosis, once believed to affect only alcohol drinkers, is now increasingly affecting non-drinkers as well. Liver specialists warn that non-alcoholic liver diseases could impact a large portion of Nepal's population in the coming years.
Dr Sunil Kumar Sharma, a gastroenterologist at Nepal Mediciti Hospital, said countries like China and India have already reported a surge in non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis. He predicted that Nepal would soon witness a similar trend. "In the next five to ten years, we will see a notable rise in non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis cases in Nepal," he said.
Dr Dilip Sharma, Director of Bir Hospital and a hepatologist, reported that about 20 percent of patients seeking treatment for obesity and high blood pressure now suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)—a condition in which fat accumulates in the liver without alcohol consumption. He noted that 1 to 2 percent of these patients have already developed liver cirrhosis. "We see non-alcoholic fatty liver cases increasing in Nepal every day," Dr Sharma added.
A cup of coffee a day reduces risk of liver diseases
Dr Umid Shrestha, a hepatologist at Mediciti Hospital, said today’s lifestyle—characterized by poor diet and lack of exercise—has driven the rise in fatty liver disease. If left untreated, he warned, the condition could lead to cirrhosis. "Non-alcoholic fatty liver is on the rise, and it could eventually cause severe liver damage," he said.
Dr Sharma referred to a Chinese study that found liver cirrhosis among non-drinkers. He linked this trend to unhealthy habits such as frequent consumption of fatty and junk food, a sedentary lifestyle, and lack of physical activity—factors that are also becoming increasingly common in Nepal.
Dr Rambabu Shah also observed a growing number of liver cirrhosis cases among non-drinkers in Nepal. He explained that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease frequently affects individuals who are overweight or obese, suffer from high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes, eat unhealthy meals, sleep immediately after eating, and regularly consume fatty, sugary, or junk foods.
Dr Sharma warned that untreated fatty liver can lead to liver fibrosis, which can then progress to cirrhosis and even liver cancer.
Doctors say liver cirrhosis presents a wide range of symptoms—from abdominal pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite to more severe signs such as abdominal swelling, vomiting blood, black stools, weakness, and even unconsciousness.
They advise the public to adopt healthier lifestyles and seek early medical intervention. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and reducing the intake of fatty, sugary, and high-carbohydrate foods can help prevent fat buildup in the liver. Including more vegetables and fruits in daily meals also supports liver health. Only a fat-free, healthy liver can function properly and reduce the risk of long-term damage.
