Fatty liver disease happens when too much fat builds up in the liver. A small amount of fat is normal, but when fat makes up more than 5–10% of the liver’s weight, it can cause inflammation and long-term damage.
There are two main types:
1.Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) – not linked to alcohol use
2.Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD) – caused by heavy drinking
Symptoms
Fatty liver disease often has no symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
•Fatigue
•Upper right abdominal pain
•Unexplained weight loss
•Enlarged liver
•Yellowing of the skin or eyes (in advanced cases)
Causes
NAFLD is often linked to:
•Obesity
•Insulin resistance / type 2 diabetes
•High cholesterol or triglycerides
•Poor diet (high in sugar and processed foods)
•Sedentary lifestyle
AFLD is caused by:
•Heavy alcohol use over time
•Genetics and poor diet can increase risk
Potential Complications
If untreated, fatty liver can progress to:
•Steatohepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
•Fibrosis (scarring)
•Cirrhosis (severe scarring and liver failure)
•Liver cancer
Diagnosis
•Blood tests (to check liver enzymes)
•Ultrasound, CT, or MRI (to see fat in the liver)
•Liver biopsy (in some cases, to confirm inflammation or scarring)
Treatment
There’s no specific medication for fatty liver, but it can be reversed in the early stages with lifestyle changes:
✅ Weight loss
Losing 5–10% of your body weight can reduce fat and inflammation in the liver.
✅ Healthy diet
Eat more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid sugar, refined carbs, and processed foods.
✅ Exercise regularly
Aim for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week.
✅ Manage conditions
Control diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
✅ Avoid alcohol
Even in NAFLD, cutting alcohol can help reduce liver stress.
Final Thoughts
Fatty liver disease is common—and often silent. But with early action, it’s treatable and even reversible. A healthy lifestyle is your best defense. If you’re at risk or have symptoms, talk to your doctor and take steps now to protect your liver and your life.
