Even thin people can be metabolically obese: Study

NEW DELHI, JULY 26: A recent study conducted by IIT Mandi researchers has revealed that even thin people can suffer from an excess of fat due to a condition called Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This disease is caused by excessive fat accumulation in the liver, a condition commonly observed among obese people.

NAFLD is caused by the poor regulation of a process called De novo lipogenesis (DNL) leading to an abnormal production of fat, which settles in the liver and other internal organs as visceral fat. Lead toxicity from the use of products like pesticides, packaging, paint and even beer are pointed out as reasons for the development of this condition.

Speaking about the findings, Dr. Prosenjit Mondal, Assistant Professor, School of Basic Sciences, IIT Mandi said, “While the connection between lead and fatty liver disease has been known for some time, the actual mechanism by which lead worsens this condition has hitherto remained unknown.”

Studies have shown that this disease affects 9 per cent to 32 per cent of the Indian population. The actual numbers could also be higher as the condition often goes undiagnosed, informs IIT Mandi.

The research was conducted by the institute in collaboration with researchers from Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow and School of Chemical and Life Sciences - Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi.