Liver cancer is on the rise (a 300% increase from 1975-2007, and a 33% increase from 1998-2007), and a new study gives caution. I got regular check ups because I was obese, and also because my family has a history of liver disease. My doctor told me, at one of these routine physicals a few years ago, that my liver tests were abnormal. I believe I had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease which is caused in large part by obesity or type two diabetes. Hepatitis C and hepatitis B are the other two main causes of liver cancer. Hepatitis C levels are falling but that unfortunately won’t impact the prevalence of liver cancer if the obesity level doesn’t fall with it.

Obesity also causes severe liver inflammation (which can lead to liver cancer) and although some drugs, and olive oil 🙂 help some, it is still better to ‘nip it in the bud’ and lose weight. Practice healthy habits, exercise, eat well and you’ll be on your way to a slimmer waist and better health. I am happy to say that my liver functions are no longer elevated thanks to my weight loss 🙂