October 17, 2025 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau) : A US-based liver specialist has revealed the one food most damaging to liver health — and it’s not alcohol. According to Dr. Peter Attia, a renowned physician focused on longevity and metabolic health, the most dangerous food for the liver is sugar, particularly in the form of fructose found in sugary drinks and processed foods.
Dr. Attia explained that excessive consumption of added sugars — including sodas, sweets, pastries, and sweetened fruit juices — can cause fat buildup in the liver, leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This condition, once rare, has become one of the fastest-growing liver disorders in the world, especially among young adults and teens.
He stated, “Fructose is metabolized differently from other sugars. When consumed in excess, it overwhelms the liver’s ability to process it, turning it into fat and triggering inflammation.” Over time, this can progress to liver scarring (fibrosis) and even cirrhosis, conditions once primarily associated with heavy drinking.
Health studies have shown that individuals who drink more than one sugary beverage per day have a significantly higher risk of developing fatty liver disease. What makes the situation worse is that fructose doesn’t trigger satiety hormones, meaning people often consume more calories without realizing it.
Nutrition experts warn that the modern diet, loaded with sweetened cereals, desserts, and ultra-processed snacks, has contributed to a silent epidemic of liver damage unrelated to alcohol. Even people with a normal weight can develop “metabolically unhealthy” fatty liver due to excessive sugar intake.
Dr. Attia recommends limiting added sugar to less than 25 grams per day and focusing on whole foods, including vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates. He also stresses the importance of staying hydrated and exercising regularly, both of which help maintain healthy liver function.
Other foods that can stress the liver include processed meats, refined carbs, and fried foods, which contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance. However, Dr. Attia emphasizes that sugar — especially liquid sugar — remains the number one culprit because of its direct metabolic impact.
Public health officials in the United States have echoed similar concerns. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one in four adults now suffers from some form of fatty liver disease, with many unaware until symptoms become severe.
In conclusion, while alcohol is often viewed as the biggest threat to liver health, experts say it’s hidden sugars in everyday foods and drinks that pose an even greater danger. Making small dietary changes — like cutting down on sodas, sweets, and processed foods — can drastically improve liver health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Summary
A US doctor warns that excessive sugar, especially fructose in sweetened drinks and processed foods, is the most dangerous food for the liver, driving fatty liver disease and inflammation.