Liver disease common in overweight teens

via ABC News

Doctors say they’ve spotted a disturbing new trend in overweight teenagers - severe liver damage caused by too much body fat.

The condition called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common cause of liver disease in children. As fat builds up, the liver can become inflamed and scarred over time causing a serious condition called cirrhosis. This condition can lead to liver failure or liver cancer, and eventually the need for a liver transplant.

Experts estimate that as many as 10% of all children and half of adults who are obese may suffer from the disease, but right now few people are tested for it. Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended doctors do a blood test of liver enzymes on obese children and overweight ones with high blood pressure or cholesterol every two years.

Weight loss is the only way to stop the disease and reverse its effects. Learn more about how you can stay physically fit.