Fatty liver disease—also called hepatic steatosis—is a growing health concern, especially in urban India. It occurs when too much fat builds up in the liver, potentially leading to inflammation and long-term liver damage if not addressed early.
Types of Fatty Liver Disease
There are two main types:
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Commonly seen in individuals who drink little or no alcohol. Often linked to obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
- Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD): Caused by excessive alcohol consumption, which damages liver cells and leads to fat accumulation.
What Causes It?
- Overweight or obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Uncontrolled diabetes or insulin resistance
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- Rapid weight loss or poor diet
- Excessive alcohol use (for AFLD)
Symptoms to Watch For
Fatty liver often has no symptoms in early stages. When present, symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Discomfort or dull pain in the right upper abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Elevated liver enzymes on blood tests
Why It Matters
If left untreated, fatty liver can progress to:
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) – inflammation and liver cell damage
- Fibrosis – scarring of the liver
- Cirrhosis – advanced scarring, which can lead to liver failure
- Liver cancer
Diagnosis
Fatty liver is usually diagnosed through:
- Ultrasound or FibroScan
- Liver function tests
- Sometimes liver biopsy (in advanced or unclear cases)
Can It Be Reversed?
Yes, in many cases, fatty liver is reversible—especially in early stages—with proper lifestyle changes.
Management and Treatment
- Weight loss: Even a 5–10% weight reduction can significantly reduce fat in the liver.
- Healthy diet: Focus on whole grains, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. Avoid refined sugars and processed food.
- Exercise: At least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.
- Control blood sugar and cholesterol
- Limit or stop alcohol consumption completely
When to See a Gastroenterologist
Consult a liver specialist if:
- You’ve been diagnosed with fatty liver
- Your liver enzymes are elevated
- You have diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome
- You have a family history of liver disease
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