Surge in fatty liver disease linked to poor diet, seed oils, warns top doc

A leading cancer specialist has warned of a worrying rise in liver disease among non-drinkers, as poor diets and widespread use of unhealthy cooking oils fuel an increase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Consultant radiation oncologist Dr Lalitha Sripathi raised the alarm on Friday.

“Initially we used to see liver disease only in alcoholics, and we used to attribute that to alcoholism,” she told journalists.

“Now we see something called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease on the rise, and we see that in people who are not alcoholics.”

Sripathi singled out seed oils such as canola and sunflower oil as a contributing factor, noting that these oils are commonly used in cheap, processed and deep-fried foods.

“What is causing the liver disease in them is those seed oils… the cheap ones,” said Dr Sripathi. “There definitely needs to be a lot of education.”

The oncologist’s comments formed part of a broader message on lifestyle-related diseases, including cancer, diabetes and hypertension.

She warned that too many people in Barbados are relying on highly processed, readily available foods that are packed with preservatives, chemicals and unhealthy fats.

“It’s unfortunate that they’re so easily available, so affordable… but they are to be avoided at all means,” she cautioned.

Dr Sripathi advised people to reduce their intake of deep-fried foods and instead use healthier alternatives such as olive or avocado oil – occasionally, and in moderation.

“If you need to have it, please have it in a healthy way—like you can use substitutes like olive oil and avocado oil for your cooking,” she said. “But only as a cheat-day diet, not on a regular basis.”

Dr Sripathi also cautioned against the use of plastics, non-stick cookware, and aluminium pots at high temperatures, which she said can leach harmful chemicals into food.

She recommended using steel, cast iron or earthenware alternatives.

“Ultimately, it all narrows down to living as naturally as possible and avoiding all the things that are convenient, easily available, but are ultimately harming your health,” she said.

The senior oncologist’s remarks at a hospital news briefing come at a time when health authorities across the region are paying closer attention to non-communicable diseases and their links to modern diets and lifestyles.

She called for greater public awareness and education, particularly for younger people and families making daily food choices that could affect long-term health outcomes. (SM)