Cheng Kung Hospital: 7 Million People in Taiwan Suffer from Fatty Liver; Sleep Health Can Reduce Risk

(CNA reporter Chang Jung-hsiang Tainan, June 24) Fatty liver has become a significant health issue in modern society. National Cheng Kung University Hospital (NCKUH) announced today that approximately 7 million people in Taiwan suffer from fatty liver, and improving sleep health can help reduce the risk of fatty liver and metabolic abnormalities.

A 45-year-old man surnamed Chen sought medical attention due to snoring at night, sleeping less than 6 hours daily, and poor daytime energy. A health check revealed obesity, abnormal blood sugar and lipid levels, elevated liver enzymes, and moderate to severe fatty liver on abdominal ultrasound. In addition to poor sleep health, he also lacked exercise and had a long-term diet high in oil and sugar.

Dr. Cheng Hsiang-ju of NCKUH's Department of Family Medicine stated today that cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and diabetes are closely related to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and fatty liver. Overseas research indicates that long-term poor sleep health may increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, affecting overall health and lifespan.

She explained that sleep is an important mechanism for the human body to maintain metabolic balance. When sleep is insufficient or its quality declines, the body experiences hormonal imbalances, increased insulin resistance, and chronic inflammatory responses, affecting glucose and fat metabolism.

Some studies have found that individuals with insufficient sleep are more prone to increased appetite, a preference for high-calorie foods, and weight gain, which may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome and fatty liver. In the long run, sleep problems, obesity, and metabolic abnormalities can influence each other, forming a vicious cycle.

She noted that fatty liver and metabolic abnormalities are closely related. The medical community has recently renamed it "Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease" (MAFLD), emphasizing that its nature is a systemic metabolic disease, not just a liver problem. Many patients with fatty liver have no obvious symptoms in the early stages, but it can gradually progress to fatty hepatitis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death.

It is worth noting that fatty liver is not untreatable. In its early stages, it is usually reversible. By improving lifestyle, controlling weight, and increasing exercise, most patients have the opportunity for significant improvement.

The relationship between sleep and fatty liver is quite complex. It is not just about the duration of sleep but also the quality of sleep and metabolic status. Attention should also be paid to sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. Many patients who snore chronically, have poor sleep quality, and feel sleepy during the day may not realize they have related diseases, missing the opportunity for early treatment and allowing metabolic diseases and fatty liver to progress.

Dr. Cheng emphasized that sleep health is an important cornerstone for maintaining metabolic health. Only by improving sleep, controlling metabolic abnormalities, and undergoing regular health check-ups can the vicious cycle between sleep problems, metabolic imbalance, and fatty liver be broken, thereby protecting one's health. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150624

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