Poll shows most Canadians unaware of NAFLD risks, outcomes

Results from an online survey conducted by the Canadian Liver Foundation revealed that 56% of Canadians were unaware that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease can lead to liver cancer, the need for liver transplantation or death, and 89% had little to no knowledge of NAFLD, according to a press release.

“It's shocking that NAFLD remains underestimated by Canadians considering the significant harm it can cause to individuals and their families across the country,” Gary Fagan, president of the Canadian Liver Foundation, said in the release. “This is a disease that is projected to overtake hepatitis C as the number one cause for liver transplants, but it remains overlooked by the average person who may think alcohol is the liver’s only threat.”

Findings from the poll also showed that 34% stated they have “very healthy” eating habits, while approximately two-thirds of Canadians consider themselves to have overweight and 62% reported that they do not exercise enough to meet Canada’s recommended guidelines for regular physical activity.

The Canadian Liver Foundation also announced the launch of the Check Your Engine campaign, designed to motivate individuals and families to avoid risks associated with liver disease and increase awareness of healthy lifestyle interventions.

The website www.liver.ca/CheckYourEngine includes additional information on the campaign and a NAFLD quiz for the public.

“Liver cancer is one of the few cancers in Canada that continues rising while most others are falling,” Fagan said in the release. “When our society normalizes unhealthy habits like eating fast food and binge-watching hours of television without being active; we all end up paying for it with our health.”

Reference: www.liver.ca