When we think of liver problems, most of us picture older adults or people who drink too much. But doctors are now raising the alarm: Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) is quietly affecting millions of Filipinos—even those who don’t drink alcohol at all.
According to a new campaign led by Essentiale, the #1 liver care brand in the Philippines, nearly 20 million Filipinos are now at risk of fatty liver disease. And many of them are parents in their 30s and 40s—too young to be facing serious liver issues.
So what’s causing it? It’s not just about food or drinking. The real culprits include:
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Poor diet (fast food, sugary drinks, ultra-processed snacks)
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Lack of exercise
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High stress levels
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Conditions like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure
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In fact, 9 out of 10 obese Filipinos and 7 out of 10 with diabetes are vulnerable to liver damage. And with today’s busy, sedentary lifestyles, the risk is rising across all ages.
Why Parents Should Pay Attention
As parents, we often put our family’s needs first—but neglecting our own health can have long-term effects on the people we love. The liver plays over 500 vital roles in the body, from storing energy to flushing out toxins. If it’s in trouble, we may not feel it until it’s too late.
“MAFLD is one of the fastest-growing public health threats in the country, and most people don’t even know they have it,” explains Dr. Jose Sollano, liver specialist from the University of Santo Tomas. “By the time symptoms show, the liver might already be damaged. But the good news is—8 out of 10 cases can be reversed if caught early.”
Don’t Wait for Symptoms
Essentiale is helping more Filipino families take action early with a nationwide campaign that includes:
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An online self-check tool to assess your liver health
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Educational materials in English and Tagalog
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Community outreach through pharmacists and health workers
Their message is clear: liver disease doesn’t just affect drinkers. It’s a lifestyle issue—and one that we can all do something about.
What You Can Do Starting Today
Here are 5 simple habits you can start with:
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Move more – Aim for 30 minutes of movement per day.
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Eat smart – Cut back on oily, fatty, and sugary foods.
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Manage stress – Make time for rest and relaxation.
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Limit alcohol – Even social drinking can add up.
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Check your health – Don’t skip your annual check-ups.
Liver Health Is Family Health
“As Filipino parents, we give so much for our kids—but we also need to take care of ourselves,” says J Ann Mirasol, Global Brand Lead of Opella (makers of Essentiale). “Fatty liver disease is preventable. Let’s make time to check in on our health—before it’s too late.”
This Global Fatty Liver Day (June 13), make it a point to check on your own well-being. Because taking care of yourself is one of the best gifts you can give your family.