Modern Vietnamese lifestyles are increasingly characterized by limited physical activity and unbalanced diets. Health experts are warning that these habits are placing a heavy burden on the liver, silently leading to serious diseases such as fatty liver, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer (Vietnam News, 2024).

🍛 The Eating Pattern That Causes a “Fatty Liver”

According to Dr. Lưu Thị Minh Diệp, specialist at the Hepatology Department, Bach Mai Hospital, the primary cause of fatty liver disease in Vietnam is an imbalanced diet high in sugar, fat, and alcohol. Over time, this excess energy is stored in the liver, leading to fat accumulation and inflammation.

“People who regularly consume sweetened beverages, fried foods, and alcohol are at significantly higher risk,” Dr. Diệp noted. Overeating combined with a sedentary lifestyle slows down fat metabolism, allowing fat to build up in the liver and making it “overflow with grease.”

Studies show that obesity and metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension also increase the likelihood of developing fatty liver (Harvard Health Publishing, 2023).

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⚠️ Signs and Symptoms of Fatty Liver

Fatty liver disease occurs when fat accounts for more than 5% of the liver’s weight, impairing its ability to function properly (World Health Organization, 2023).

In the early stages, patients often show no obvious symptoms, which makes the condition difficult to detect. As the disease progresses, common signs may include:

• Persistent fatigue or discomfort.

• Itchy skin, rashes, or mild allergic reactions.

• A dull ache or feeling of heaviness in the upper right abdomen.

• Loss of appetite, nausea, or unexplained weight loss.

• In severe cases progressing to cirrhosis, patients may experience jaundice, nosebleeds, or bleeding gums.

Without proper management, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can lead to liver cancer — sometimes without passing through the cirrhotic stage, making it especially dangerous (The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 2022). Research also shows a link between fatty liver and a 20-fold increase in colorectal cancer risk (Journal of Hepatology, 2023).

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🥦 How to Prevent Fatty Liver Disease

Fortunately, fatty liver is preventable and reversible when detected early. Dr. Diệp emphasizes that prevention starts with balanced nutrition, regular movement, and good metabolic control.

✅ Eat more vegetables and fruits – Focus on fiber-rich foods such as leafy greens, carrots, apples, and legumes.
✅ Limit sugary, oily, and processed foods – Avoid deep-fried dishes, fast food, and sweetened drinks.
✅ Exercise daily – At least 30 minutes of moderate activity like walking, jogging, swimming, or yoga helps improve circulation and burn excess fat.
✅ Maintain a healthy weight – Even a 5–10% reduction in body weight can significantly reduce fat accumulation in the liver.
✅ Manage chronic conditions – Properly control diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol to lower liver strain.
✅ Go for regular checkups – Routine health screenings can detect liver issues before they become serious.

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🩺 Early Detection Saves Lives

“If you experience unusual symptoms related to liver function — such as fatigue, jaundice, or digestive discomfort — don’t hesitate to seek medical advice,” Dr. Diệp advised. “With early diagnosis, treatment is much simpler and recovery rates are significantly higher.”

Experts from the World Health Organization stress that public awareness and lifestyle modification remain the most effective tools to curb the rising tide of fatty liver disease in developing nations like Vietnam.