Fatty liver disease affects one in five children in Finland, according to Tampere University research

Fatty liver disease is surprisingly common among children. According to recent research from Tampere University, the condition is diagnosed in as many as one in five overweight or obese children. Medical licentiate Linnea Aitokari explored this issue in her doctoral thesis.

The increasing prevalence of fatty liver disease among children parallels the rise in childhood obesity. The condition occurs when more than five percent of liver cells become fatty. If left untreated, it can progress to cirrhosis, a serious stage where the liver can no longer function effectively. At this advanced stage, a liver transplant may be required for treatment.

More details on this research will be available soon.