Alcohol abuse cause of big rise in liver disease

Alcohol abuse and obesity are to blame for a big rise in cases of liver disease in the North West, according to a report.

The North West Public Health Observatory found that the number of men dying from liver disease had risen by 20% since 2005.

The rate in the region is higher than the national average.

In deaths resulting from liver disease, the figures show alcohol was the cause of 47% of fatalities in men and 43% in women. Liver disease affected more people living in deprived areas.

According to the findings, there was a 182% rise in hospital admissions due to fatty liver disease as a primary or secondary diagnosis.

The number of liver disease deaths among women has remained the same according to the study since 2005.

The report was conducted in collaboration with the National Treatment Agency North West, North West Cancer Intelligence Service and NHS North West.

Liver disease currently accounts for 2% of all deaths in England.