.jpg)
THE escalating rates of obesity and diabetes in Malaysia are accelerating the spread of liver disease, with medical experts warning of serious repercussions if the situation is not urgently addressed.
Dr Lim Chong Wei, a Consultant General Physician and Endocrinologist at Sunway Medical Centre in Sunway City, said these two metabolic disorders are among the key drivers behind the rising incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the country.
NAFLD, now officially referred to as metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, is closely tied to excess fat accumulation in the liver and can quietly progress to inflammation, fibrosis, and even cirrhosis.
“NAFLD has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, and in Malaysia, the combination of high-calorie diets, sedentary lifestyles, and metabolic disorders is driving its rise,” he told Bernama.
Dr Lim explained that diabetes—particularly Type 2—plays a crucial role in accelerating liver damage, primarily through increased insulin resistance and fat deposition in liver tissue. He emphasised the need for early detection, noting that NAFLD often develops with no obvious symptoms.
“It is often a silent disease. Many patients remain unaware they have it until it reaches an advanced stage,” he said.
According to Dr Lim, early screening is vital, especially for those already diagnosed with obesity or diabetes. Basic diagnostic tools, such as blood tests to evaluate liver enzyme levels and abdominal ultrasound imaging, can detect the condition before irreversible damage occurs.
“Screening should include blood tests to check liver enzyme levels and abdomen ultrasound imaging to detect fatty deposits in the liver. These simple tests can help diagnose the condition before severe damage occurs,” he explained.
He added that even though only around 1 to 2 per cent of NAFLD cases progress to liver cirrhosis, the sheer volume of new cases could overwhelm Malaysia’s healthcare system in the coming years if proactive measures are not taken.
“Without intervention, we may see a sharp increase in cases, overwhelming our healthcare facilities,” he warned.
His comments follow the release of the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), which revealed that more than half of Malaysia’s population is now overweight or obese—a rise from 50.1 per cent in 2019 to 54.4 per cent last year.
The same survey found that 2.3 million Malaysian adults live with three non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
“These conditions are deeply interconnected,” Dr Lim said, “and being overweight or obese is a major risk factor not just for liver disease but for a wide range of chronic illnesses.”
In addressing the growing burden of NAFLD, Dr Lim advocated for comprehensive lifestyle changes, including healthier eating habits, regular physical activity, and achieving a sustainable body weight.
“Patients with diabetes should have their liver function regularly monitored, as early intervention can prevent complications such as liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (primary tumour of the liver),” he said.
For those already diagnosed with NAFLD, Dr Lim recommended targeted interventions such as structured weight management programmes and tighter control of blood glucose levels. He pointed out that even a modest weight loss of 5 to 10 per cent can lead to substantial reductions in liver fat and inflammation.
“The key lies in early identification and consistent lifestyle modification. Without these, we are heading toward a silent but very serious public health crisis,” he added. – April 16, 2025
