Science Forums 2

[Michaelangelica]

Originally Posted by cooloola

Kyra - liver diseases are prevalent in the west (especially alcohol/drug abuse fibrotic cirrhotic diseases and Hep C which 10% of americans and australians are presently carrying) Less developed countries have their share of diseases affecting liver function (Hep A, Hep B and Hydatid infestation). however a diet high in proportion of fat will also affect liver function so its a bit like the chiken AND the egg in liver health/obesity. s.

How many people have hepatitis C ?
How does Liver damage effect obesity?

Around one in every 100 people in Australia has HCV.

More than 210,000 people in Australia are estimated to have been exposed to HCV infection. Almost half, over 90,000 people, live in NSW. Around 16,000 new hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are estimated to be occurring across the nation each year and, again, almost half of these are in NSW. Around 90% of these new infections occur through blood-to-blood contact between people sharing equipment used for injecting illicit drugs.

In the period, 1990 to 2001, there were over 192,000 notifications of HCV positive diagnoses - with over 76,000 notifications in NSW. Men comprise around 65% of the diagnoses, women 35%. Around 65% of people diagnosed are in the age range 20-39 years but an increasing number of people aged 15-19 are being diagnosed.

The Hepatitis Council of NSW - FAQ

There is a link between cortisol aproduction and obesity. Not sure how.