Health experts warn that Nigeria’s growing addiction to fast food—shawarma, instant noodles, and sugary drinks—is fueling liver disease, with fatty liver cases now surpassing hepatitis.
Health experts have raised the alarm over Nigeria’s rising consumption of fast foods like shawarma, instant noodles, and sugary sodas, linking them to an increase in liver damage, cirrhosis, and cancer.
Speaking to PUNCH Healthwise, physicians warned that processed foods laden with trans fats, sugar, and preservatives strain the liver, leading to metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD), formerly called fatty liver disease.
Dr. Ganiyat Oyeleke, a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, said, “Deep-fried foods, reused cooking oil, and fast foods trigger fat buildup. Once fat accumulates, it progresses to fibrosis and cirrhosis.”
She singled out shawarma, noodles, pastries, and sodas as major culprits, noting their convenience masks their danger.
“People feel fine until jaundice appears—by then, damage is severe,” she cautioned.
MASLD, now a leading cause of liver disease globally, is surging in Nigeria due to shifting diets. Dr. Oyeleke urged Nigerians to embrace antioxidant-rich local foods like bitter leaf, pumpkin, citrus fruits, and nuts while moderating palm oil and avoiding excessive alcohol—including local brews like ogogoro.
“Many herbal remedies are unregulated and toxic,” she added, recalling a patient who developed jaundice from self-medication.
Nutritionist Odunayo Babatunde echoed concerns, stating, “You don’t need alcohol to destroy your liver—daily processed foods do it silently.” She recommended greens, walnuts, and fatty fish while warning against excess salt, which worsens liver complications.
Both experts advised annual liver tests, home cooking over fast food, and replacing snacks with fruits and nuts. “Food is medicine,” Dr. Oyeleke stressed. “Protect your liver before it’s too late.”