Targeting the 30s: Recognising Fatty Liver, the Silent Killer, and How to Prevent It

Cases of fatty liver disease are increasingly being found in younger age groups, especially those in their 30s. Doctor and IPB University lecturer, dr Widya Khairunnisa Sarkowi, said fatty liver occurs due to the accumulation of fat in the liver, which is linked to metabolic disorders. According to her, this disease is often dubbed a silent killer because it develops slowly without showing clear clinical signs and can lead to permanent liver damage. ‘Many people feel healthy, but when examined via ultrasound or liver enzyme tests, fatty liver is discovered. Individuals with obesity, diabetes mellitus, or other metabolic disorders have a higher risk of developing fatty liver,’ she said in a written statement on Friday (19/6/2026). Globally, the prevalence of fatty liver is estimated to reach around 30 percent and continues to rise. Meanwhile, based on the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI), the prevalence of obesity in adults increased from 21.8 percent in 2018 to 23.4 percent in 2023. The prevalence of central obesity among the population aged over 15 years reached 36.8 percent. According to dr Widya, these high figures are a strong signal of increasing metabolic problems in society, such as obesity, central obesity or belly fat, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, high-sugar and high-calorie diets, and lack of physical activity. However, she noted that fatty liver does not only affect overweight individuals. People with normal weight can also experience fatty liver if they have belly fat, insulin resistance, diabetes, a high-sugar diet, or lack physical activity. Dr Widya said fatty liver is not just a problem of the liver organ, but a marker of metabolic disorders throughout the body. Therefore, she urged the public not to be easily tempted by instant solutions such as supplements, detox products, or herbs claimed to ‘cleanse the liver’. ‘The use of medication alone is not enough without accompanying healthy lifestyle changes. Scientific evidence shows that lifestyle changes remain the most effective way to prevent and manage fatty liver,’ she said. As a preventive measure, dr Widya shared five key educational messages aligned with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). First, lose weight gradually. A weight loss of around 5-10 percent is known to reduce liver fat, inflammation, and the risk of fibrosis. Second, reduce consumption of sugary drinks such as sweet tea, high-sugar milk coffee, boba drinks, soda, packaged beverages, and syrups, which are sources of liquid sugar with high calories. ‘WHO recommends that free sugar consumption be less than 10 percent of total daily energy needs, ideally below 5 percent,’ she said. Third, implement a balanced diet with a composition of half a plate of vegetables and fruit, a quarter of protein, and a quarter of carbohydrates. The public is also advised to limit ultra-processed foods, fried foods, sweet foods, and high-calorie snacks.