Fatty Liver: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Fatty Liver Disease (FLD) occurs when there is excess fat accumulation in liver cells, usually more than 5–10% of liver weight. It is one of the most common liver conditions worldwide, often linked with lifestyle, metabolic diseases, and diet habits. Early detection is crucial, as untreated fatty liver can progress to severe liver damage.

 Types of Fatty Liver

1.NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease)

Fat buildup not related to alcohol. Often linked to obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol.

2.AFLD (Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease)

Develops due to heavy or prolonged alcohol use.

3.NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis)

A more serious form where fat causes inflammation & liver cell damage. Can progress to cirrhosis.

 What Causes Fatty Liver?

Fat accumulates in the liver due to imbalance between fat production and fat breakdown. Key contributing factors include:

🔹 Lifestyle & Metabolic Factors

• Obesity or overweight

• Sedentary lifestyle

• High sugar / refined carbohydrate diet

• Excess saturated and trans fats (fried foods, processed foods)

• High cholesterol & triglycerides

🔹 Medical Conditions

Condition

Effect on Liver/Metabolism

1.Type 2 Diabetes

Insulin resistance increases fat storage

2.Hypothyroidism

Slow metabolism, fat accumulation

3.PCOS

Hormonal changes increase risk

4.Metabolic Syndrome

Cluster of high BP, sugar, cholesterol

🔹 Alcohol

• Excessive alcohol intake is a direct toxin to liver cells, causing fat deposition and inflammation. typical Symptoms seen in practice

Fatty liver is often silent — many people have no symptoms.
When present, symptoms may include:

• Fatigue & weakness

• Discomfort/fullness in right upper abdomen

• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight

• Poor appetite & bloating

 Symptoms of advanced disease (might require urgent attention):

• Jaundice (yellow eyes/skin)

• Swelling in legs or abdomen

• Confusion or memory issues

• Vomiting blood (rare, emergency)

 Diagnosis

Fatty liver is usually detected during routine exams or imaging.

Investigations

• Liver Function Test (LFT) – may show elevated enzymes (ALT, AST)

• Ultrasound – detects fat deposits in liver

• FibroScan – checks liver stiffness (for fibrosis/cirrhosis risk)

• MRI or CT scan – detailed imaging if required

• Liver biopsy (rare) – when diagnosis or stage is unclear

lifestyle,diet and medical Treatment

There is no single “fatty liver pill”; treatment focuses on reversing the cause.

1️⃣ Lifestyle Modification

• Weight loss (7–10% of current weight significantly improves liver health)

• Daily walking or exercise (30–45 minutes)

• Reduce calorie intake if overweight

• Avoid late-night heavy meals

2️⃣ Diet

Recommended

                                                                                                                                                      Avoid

Whole grains, oats, brown rice

                                                                                                                                                                     Deep fried foods

Leafy greens, colorful vegetables

                                                                                                                                                         White rice, maida foods

Fruits (low GI like apple, papaya)

                                                                                                                                    Sugary drinks, cola, packaged juices

Lean proteins (dal, tofu, paneer, beans)             

                                                                                                                                             Processed foods, bakery items

Healthy fats (nuts, olive oil, flaxseed)

                                                                                                                                               Excess ghee, butter, red meats

 Low-carb or Mediterranean diet is often beneficial. 

 Medical Support

• Treat underlying disease (diabetes, BP, cholesterol)

• Vitamin E (only if prescribed)

• Omega-3 supplements for triglycerides

• Control alcohol consumption strictly or stop completely

 Self-medication is not advised.

 Complications if Untreated

Fatty liver may progress over time:

Fatty Liver → NASH → Fibrosis → Cirrhosis → Liver Failure / Cancer

Early diagnosis and lifestyle change can reverse fatty liver in most cases.

 Prevention

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Balanced diet with high fiber & low sugar

• Regular physical activity

• Avoid unnecessary alcohol

• Manage blood sugar & cholesterol

• Yearly health checkups if at risk

 Consult a Doctor If:

• LFT values are persistently high

• You have diabetes, high cholesterol, or obesity

• You consume alcohol frequently

• Symptoms like jaundice or abdominal swelling occur

• Disclaimer:

• The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified physician or other licensed healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not ignore or delay seeking medical advice because of information you read on this website. The use of any information provided here is solely at your own risk.