Understanding Fatty Liver Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Fatty liver disease is a common condition where extra fat builds up in your liver. It often causes no symptoms and can be reversed with diet and exercise. However, if left untreated, it can lead to more serious liver problems.

Types of Fatty Liver Disease

There are two main types of fatty liver disease:

1. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): This type affects 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. and is not caused by drinking alcohol. There are two forms of NAFLD:

   • Simple fatty liver: Fat builds up in the liver but usually doesn't cause liver damage or problems.

   • Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): A more serious form that causes liver inflammation and damage, and can lead to scarring, liver cancer, and liver failure.

2. Alcohol-related fatty liver disease (ALD): This less common type is caused by drinking too much alcohol, which can lead to an enlarged liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis (liver scarring).

Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease

Most people with fatty liver disease have no symptoms. Some may experience:

• Tiredness

• Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen

• Enlarged liver

• Swollen belly

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Risk Factors for Fatty Liver Disease

Factors that increase your risk of NAFLD and NASH include:

• Obesity or being overweight

• Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance

• High cholesterol or triglycerides

• Metabolic syndrome

• Being Hispanic or Asian

For ALD, the main risk factor is drinking too much alcohol, especially if you are obese, malnourished, or have hepatitis C.

Diagnosing Fatty Liver Disease

To diagnose fatty liver disease, your doctor may use:

• Physical exam to check for an enlarged liver or other signs

• Blood tests to assess liver function and damage, rule out other causes, and estimate liver scarring

• Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to look for fat in the liver

• Liver biopsy to confirm NASH and check for inflammation and scarring

Treating Fatty Liver Disease

Treatment for fatty liver disease focuses on reversing the condition and preventing liver damage through lifestyle changes such as:

• Losing weight gradually if you are overweight or obese

• Following a healthy plant-based diet low in saturated fats and added sugars

• Exercising regularly

• Avoiding alcohol

• Managing conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol

• Taking vitamin E supplements (for NASH)

In severe cases of NASH with cirrhosis or liver failure, a liver transplant may be necessary. Learn more about NAFLD and NASH, ALD, and liver transplantation.

Preventing Fatty Liver Disease

You can reduce your risk of fatty liver disease by:

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Eating a nutritious diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

• Exercising most days of the week

• Limiting alcohol intake

• Getting vaccinated against hepatitis B and C

With the right diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies, fatty liver disease can be managed and even reversed. Talk to your doctor if you think you may be at risk or have symptoms of fatty liver disease.