Research shows that low birth weight babies are four times more likely to develop fatty liver disease at a young age.

Low birth weight babies are four times more likely to develop fatty liver disease at a young age, according to a new study.

According to the researchers, the findings once again prove why it is so important to take measures during pregnancy to ensure that the baby is born at a normal weight, such as not smoking.

Researchers found that infants weighing less than 2.5 kg were significantly more likely to develop metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) during childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood than non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

The average birth weight of the population is about 3.5 kg. Globally, approximately one in seven babies are born with low birth weight; In Western countries, the proportion is lower, around 8 to 10 percent, the researchers say.

“Our study now provides compelling evidence that fetal developmental factors play an important role in the development of MASLD and advanced liver disease,” says Fahim Ebrahimi from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden.

“It is of great concern that people born with low birth weight are at increased relative risk of this disease in young adulthood, since early-onset MASLD often persists into adulthood and is associated with an increased risk of developing cirrhosis and end… Stage liver problems. Disease.

“In the future, it is important to develop proactive and effective strategies such as: “Early and targeted screening to identify people at risk and help reduce the burden of this disease,” the doctor added. Ebrahimi added.

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“Prevention of intrauterine growth retardation [reduced growth in the womb] is significant. Key interventions include providing adequate maternal care with nutritional instructions, smoking cessation, and early detection and treatment of pregnancy-related diseases such as gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia and maternal obesity,” he said.

Dr. Ebrahimi notes that while previous studies have shown an association between birth weight and serious diseases such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome, the relationship with MASLD remained unclear.

Pamela Healy, CEO of The British Liver Trust, said: “Our helpline receives a large number of calls from members of the public about MASLD. This condition often occurs accidentally when someone is scanning something else.

“Experts predict that MASLD will become a leading cause of advanced liver disease and transplantation over the next decade.

“However, in most cases, MASLD can be controlled or reversed before it progresses to more severe disease. “That’s why it’s important that we raise awareness of the disease and encourage people to take steps to improve their overall health before the disease gets worse.”

The study will be presented during UEG Week – the United European Gastroenterology (UEG) conference in Copenhagen and online.