Risk of liver disease follows lockdown eating, drinking binges

Overeating and too much alcohol during Covid lockdowns putting Queenslanders at risk of liver disease, state’s scientists warn

Overeating and drinking during Covid lockdowns has put an alarming number of people at risk of liver disease, Queensland scientists have warned.

With data showing one in four Australians will develop liver disease, Mater Research’s Katharine Irvine said that unhealthy diet habits acquired during lockdowns and working from home could have serious long-term consequences.

“It is important for people who may have become too close to their fridge as a result of Covid to reconsider their lifestyle choices. Obesity-related liver disease is a huge and growing problem and alcohol-related liver disease remains a significant issue,” Dr Irvine said.

“As the only cure is a liver transplant there is a high risk of morbidity and mortality. These people risk becoming frequent flyers in the hospital system in later life. Lifestyle modifications are the only way of preventing these causes of liver disease, so people need to be mindful of their liver health,” she said.

Hepatitis, which causes liver disease, is an inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by harmful consumption of alcohol, drugs, medications, chronic hepatitis viral infection, or autoimmune conditions.

Dr Irvine said “great research progress” had been made in the last decade with the development of a direct-acting antiviral drug that cures hepatitis caused by chronic hepatitis C infection.

Mater Research is also currently working to develop new approaches to treating obesity-related liver disease, and to improve identification of people in primary care at risk of developing liver disease, including better biomarkers of disease progression.

Mater Health Chronic Disease Hepatology Nurse Practitioner Burglind Liddle said it had been established that many young people consumed excessive junk food and alcohol while working from home during pandemic lockdowns – but making healthier choices could reduce their risk of liver disease in the future.

“Liver disease affects a large number of young people, but eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting tested for hepatitis, and using alcohol responsibly could lower their chances of liver disease. These are prevention mechanisms. Rest, sleep and regular check-ups with your GP are also important,” she said.

Originally published as Risk of liver disease follows lockdown eating, drinking binges