Losing weight ‘reduces liver disease risk’

Obesity increases a person's risk of developing liver disease, an expert has claimed, which could provide people with motivation to lose weight.

Sarah Matthews, spokesperson for the British Liver Trust said that the majority of instances of liver disease can be prevented by making small lifestyle changes.

"Giving yourself two consecutive days off alcohol a week and maintaining a healthy weight will help reduce your risk of developing liver disease and cancer," she explained.

Her comments follow the publication of a report by the All-Party Parliamentary Hepatology Group and The Hepatitis C Trust, which states that the number of lives claimed by liver damage and disease has soared by 60 per cent in the past decade.

It suggests that binge drinking, overeating and a lack of exercise have all contributed to this rise.

Ms Matthews went on to say that people should ensure that they get their hepatitis B vaccination before travelling to countries where the liver-damaging disease is prevalent.

Does this news give you more motivation to lose weight?