feature blog post

Written by Dr. Anthony Osei Boateng     

London is a city devoid of loneliness in which history does not walk alone; but embraces the modern era in a harmonised symphony unmatched by any other city in the world. She brings to bear a rare balance between classical sights and sounds and a savouring experience of all that the modern world has to offer; serving as a city at the centre-stage of the globe.     

The liver also serves as an epicentre and paramount determinant of the health status of an individual. Statistics show that 16,087 people in the UK died from liver disease as far back as 2008. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic disorder which does not originate from an inherent usage of alcohol. It is widely believed that NAFLD may be linked to obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. As a result, it is sometimes tagged as a disease which is more common among the affluent. There has been a great focus on liver diseases originating from the usage of alcohol but little attention has been paid to NAFLD which could be fatal, if not identified early and treated appropriately.        

NAFLD may include simple steatosis characterised by the accumulation of fat in the liver. NAFLD is also prevalent globally with (34%) reported in North America and other developed countries such as China (15%). Various clinical cases attest to NAFLD progressing to fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Other diseases for which NAFLD has been reported to be an independent risk factor include: hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia and mixed hyperlipidaemia. Furthermore, the pathogenesis of steatosis and cellular injury in NAFLD results in insulin resistance hepatic fat accumulation and oxidative stress.  

The best way to combat NAFLD in London is through a healthy lifestyle, which received a great boost during the 2012 Olympic Games through beautiful processions as colourful as the city’s diversity and a convergence of athletes and people from all over the world for the Games. London is truly at the heart of globalisation and fore- runner in depicting the ideal picture a perfect global village. This ideal image should also resonate into a healthy way of living by Londoners and in the maintenance of a healthy diet as well as exercise regimen. 

The promotion of cycling as well as regular charity marathons are some of the ways in which Londoners exhibit an apt for healthy living. From the historic Londinium to London, the stage is now set for a healthy global village.