Eating fast increases the risk of getting liver disease

Recent studies indicate that harmful eating habits, and in particular fast eating, may cause annoying symptoms such as gas and bloating, and even affect the digestion of food and lead to obesity. Now it turns out that these habits may even be a real danger. A new study by researchers from the University of Haifa and the Ichilov Medical Center found a direct link between fast eating and fatty liver disease.In the study, recently published in the scientific journal Hepatology Communication, 315 participants aged 40-70 participated, who were examined at two time points during a follow-up period of about seven years. The participants underwent non-invasive liver tests, such as ultrasound, along with other measures to assess liver function. They also filled out questionnaires that included information on dietary habits, smoking, physical activity and alcohol consumption.

The findings confirmed that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes, among other things, a combination of a balanced diet, regular physical activity and avoiding smoking, reduces the risk of developing fatty liver disease by approximately 58%. However, from the results of the study it became clear that even among those who maintain a healthy lifestyle, harmful eating patterns, such as eating quickly and eating following an emotional impulse, are significant risk factors.

“The findings emphasize to us that there is significance not only to what you eat, but also to the way you eat, which reinforces the importance of a healthy lifestyle and behavioral change as central tools in maintaining liver health”

Laura Saul Greenspan, Haifa University

According to the dramatic data, about 34% of the participants who reported eating fast were found to have a 69% increased chance of having fatty liver disease, compared to those who ate at a normal or slow pace. It also emerged that eating following an emotional impulse, for example in stressful situations, as opposed to eating out of hunger or during a meal, increases the risk of insulin resistance, which may lead to the development of type 2 diabetes, as well as metabolic liver inflammation processes.

“There are few findings in this field in the medical literature in the world, and in Israel in particular,” says Laura Saul Greenspan, a doctoral student in public health at the University of Haifa and the study’s editors. “The findings emphasize to us that there is significance not only to what you eat, but also to the way you eat.”

About 30% of the general population suffer from fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (MASLD) is the most common liver disease in the world, and the leading cause of chronic liver disease. “Approximately 30% of the general population, including in Israel, suffer from this disease,” explains Sol Greenspan. According to her, the disease is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver cells, which may lead to inflammatory processes, the development of liver cirrhosis, a condition in which healthy tissue turns into non-functional scar tissue, and even cancer. She emphasizes that as of today, there is no dedicated drug treatment for the prevention of fatty liver, “which reinforces the importance of a healthy lifestyle and behavioral change as central tools in preventing and maintaining liver health.”

“The findings indicate the need for a holistic approach. Caregivers must consider all aspects of the patient’s lifestyle in order to provide personalized instructions and improve the effectiveness of treatment”

Prof. Shira Zalber-Sagi, Haifa University

According to Prof. Shira Zalber-Sagi from the School of Public Health at the University of Haifa, and the director of the study, “the findings point to the need for a holistic approach to each patient. The doctor and other therapists must consider all aspects of the patient’s lifestyle in order to provide personalized instructions and improve the effectiveness of treatment.” .

The team of researchers also includes Master’s Degree Yara Ibn Haim and Dr. Dana Ivankowski-Wachkman from the School of Public Health at the University of Haifa, along with Prof. Revital Kriev, Dr. Naomi Felis-Iskov, Dr. Muriel Webb and Prof. Oren Shibulat from the Tel Aviv Medical Center .