High-Fat Diets May Trigger Harmful Changes in Liver Cells
A new scientific study has raised serious concerns about the long-term safety of the popular keto diet. The diet promotes rapid weight loss by encouraging high fat intake and extremely low carbohydrates. However, researchers now warn that prolonged use of such diets may significantly increase the risk of liver cancer.
The keto diet has gained popularity for helping people lose weight without constant hunger. Despite its short-term benefits, American scientists say long-term high-fat consumption can damage liver health. The study suggests that repeated exposure to fat places continuous stress on liver cells. As a result, these cells undergo structural and functional changes.
According to researchers, fat-induced stress pushes liver cells into an immature or underdeveloped state. This change allows the cells to survive immediate stress. However, it weakens their ability to perform normal liver functions. Over time, this imbalance may create conditions that favor cancer development.
Researchers Find Cancer Risk Rises with Prolonged Fat Stress
The study explains that this process involves a trade-off. Genes that support basic cell survival become more active. At the same time, genes responsible for key liver functions are suppressed. This shift reduces the liver’s ability to regulate metabolism and detoxify the body.
The research team described the findings as alarming. They said the liver sacrifices long-term health for short-term survival. This adaptation increases vulnerability to serious diseases, including liver cancer.
The study was published in the prestigious scientific journal Cell. Researchers conducted long-term experiments on mice fed a high-fat diet. By the end of the study, nearly all the mice developed liver cancer. The scientists noted that if these stressed cells later acquire harmful genetic mutations, the cancer risk rises even further.
To support their findings, researchers also analyzed human liver data. They examined patients suffering from various liver conditions. The results showed similar patterns to those seen in mice. Genes linked to normal liver function gradually weakened. Meanwhile, genes that promote cell survival became stronger.
Human Impact May Take Decades, Experts Say
Patients showing these genetic changes had shorter survival rates after developing cancer. This suggests that long-term dietary habits may influence not only cancer risk but also recovery chances.
While these harmful changes occurred within one year in mice, scientists say the process is much slower in humans. In people, similar damage may take around 20 years to develop. However, other factors can speed up the process.
Experts say alcohol use, viral hepatitis, obesity, and poor overall health can accelerate liver damage. These factors push liver cells further into an immature and unstable state.
Researchers are now exploring whether healthier diets can reverse the damage. They are also studying the effects of modern weight-loss treatments, including GLP-1 injections, on liver recovery.
Health experts warn that liver disease is no longer limited to older adults or heavy drinkers. Increasingly, younger people are developing liver problems without clear symptoms. Specialists advise caution when choosing weight-loss diets. Short-term results may come with serious long-term health risks.
