Past your menopause? Stay alert as fatty liver disease may go undetected

According to a recent study, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) considered a cardiovascular disease risk factor, often goes undetected in post-menopausal women.

According to a recent study, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) considered a cardiovascular disease risk factor, often goes undetected in post-menopausal women.

The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) conducted a test on the efficacy of aerobic exercise in post-menopausal women.

NAFLD can also lead to insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

“NAFLD is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and adult-onset diabetes and is characterised by fat in the liver seen on ultrasound or other testing and elevated liver enzymes,” said NAMS Executive Director Jo Ann V. Pinkerton in a release.

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“This study shows the benefit of counselling women at risk of diagnosis with fatty liver disease about the benefits of increased physical activity, including less fat around the middle, improvement in good cholesterol, and improved ability to exercise (cardiopulmonary functional capacity),” added Pinkerton.

People with NAFLD have lower cardiopulmonary functional capacity, which independently increases cardiovascular risk. Improved cardiorespiratory fitness has been associated with lower all-cause mortality risk in women with elevated glucose levels or with diabetes.

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