Obesity and Other Risk Factors for Liver Disease

Although liver disease affects more than 30 million individuals in the United States, it is not a commonly discussed medical issue. All individuals may be at risk for liver disease. Lack of awareness and information has led to significant misunderstandings of liver disease risk factors and false assumptions of those impacted by liver disease.

The American Liver Foundation's national education awareness initiatives -- Liver Wellness (including Diet and Your Liver and Managing Your Medications), Liver Cancer and Think B -- address common risk factors that impact liver health (healthful eating, appropriate use of medication and strategies to prevent the spread of viral hepatitis) and disease risk factors (obesity, medication misuse, risky behaviors) for all individuals. The goal is to prevent adverse health outcomes, including liver cancer, liver failure and even death. The Liver Wellness Initiative will reach more than 150,000 individuals by 2010 through health education material, programs and an interactive website. The Liver Cancer Initiative will reach more than 100,000 individuals by 2010 through health education material in ten languages. To date, the Think B Initiative has reached more than 50,000 individuals through education material in six languages and community-based, in-language education and screening programs.

Broad-reaching awareness initiatives increase general knowledge about liver disease and common risk factors. Initiatives also define disease prevention strategies and dispel misconceptions about liver disease, affected populations and disease impact. This presentation will discuss the model and present preliminary outcomes.