Liver fat, not weight, predicts health risks in children with obesity, scientists say
Summary
New research from Tel Aviv University reveals that liver fat, not bodyweight, predicts health risks in obese children, highlighting diet quality as a key factor in prevention.
Key Points
- Researchers found liver fat, rather than bodyweight, predicts serious health problems in children with obesity.
- Fatty liver in children can lead to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and liver cirrhosis later in life.
- A Mediterranean-style diet may protect liver health and prevent metabolic illness even if a child remains obese.
- Prenatal high-risk pregnancies increase the likelihood of unhealthy obesity in children, indicating early-life factors affect later metabolic health.
