THE IMPACT OF FAST FOOD AND HIGH-CALORIE DIETS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHRONIC LIVER DISEASES

Abstract

Chronic liver diseases (CLDs) have emerged over the past decades as a significant global public health concern. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), liver diseases account for millions of deaths annually worldwide. In particular, metabolically associated liver disorders, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progressive form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), are increasing at an alarming rate. Contemporary dietary patterns characterized by high consumption of fast food, trans fats, sugar-sweetened beverages, and energy-dense diets contribute to lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammatory activation, thereby promoting the development of CLDs. This literature review aims to summarize scientifically substantiated evidence regarding the role of fast food and high-calorie diets in the pathogenesis of chronic liver pathology.