Fatty Liver Disease What Everyone Should Know

Why Awareness Matters

Fatty liver disease often shows few or no symptoms in its early stages. Left untreated, it can progress to serious complications such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. Early detection and lifestyle management are key to protecting long-term liver health.

What is Fatty Liver Disease?

Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat accumulates in liver cells—more than 5–10% of the liver’s weight. This happens when the liver cannot process fats efficiently due to metabolic imbalances, poor diet, or alcohol intake.

Types of Fatty Liver Disease

1. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

• Develops in people who consume little or no alcohol.
• Strongly linked to obesity, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, insulin resistance, and Type 2 diabetes.
• Caused by consistent calorie intake exceeding the body’s needs, leading to fat storage in the liver.

2. Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

• Directly caused by excessive alcohol consumption, which damages liver cells and promotes fat accumulation.

Causes of NAFLD

• Obesity, especially abdominal obesity
• Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• Diet high in sugars, fats, and processed foods
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Certain medications and genetic predisposition

Risk Factors

• Belly fat → causes hormonal imbalances & inflammation → promotes liver fat storage
• Diabetes & insulin resistance → excess glucose converted into fat in the liver
Together, these conditions greatly increase the risk of NAFLD progression to severe liver disease.

Symptoms – When to See a Doctor

Most people with NAFLD have no symptoms in the early stages.
Some may experience:
• Persistent fatigue
• Mild discomfort in the upper right abdomen
• Unexplained weight gain

Seek medical help if you have risk factors, abnormal liver test results, or ongoing tiredness.

Diagnosis

• Blood tests → detect abnormal liver enzymes
• Imaging (Ultrasound, CT, MRI) → shows fatty infiltration
• FibroScan / Liver Biopsy → assess inflammation, fibrosis, or scarring

Complications if Untreated

• Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
• Liver fibrosis & cirrhosis
• Liver failure
• Liver cancer
• Increased risk of heart disease and metabolic disorders

Treatment & Management

Lifestyle Modification (Cornerstone of Care)

• Weight loss: Aim for 7–10% of body weight
• Healthy diet: Preferably Mediterranean-style (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats)
• Physical activity: At least 150 minutes per week

Medical Management

• Treat underlying conditions: diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension
• Avoid alcohol and unnecessary medications
• Regular monitoring with periodic tests

Action & Benefits

Key Takeaway: Fatty liver disease is preventable and reversible in early stages. A healthy lifestyle and timely medical evaluation are your best tools to protect your liver.

Featuring insights from Dr. N. Arun, Gastroenterologist , Hepatologist & Interventional Endoscopist, Apollo Hospitals, Greams Lane, Chennai

? For appointments, call Apollo Hospitals Chennai at 044 4040 1066