Fatty liver disease is a common condition caused by the storage of extra fat in the liver. It is the most common liver disease worldwide and affects between 80 and 100 million individuals, according to the Liver Foundation.
The majority of people have no symptoms, and it doesn’t cause serious problems for them. But in some cases, it can lead to liver damage. The good news is you can often prevent or even reverse fatty liver disease with lifestyle changes.
What is the function of our liver?
Our liver is one of the most complex organs in our bodies. It is formed of cells called hepatocytes which carry out a wide variety of functions, including managing our carbohydrates and fats and the production of proteins.
Who gets fatty liver disease?
While genetics do play a role in the chances of developing fatty liver disease, lifestyle is very important.
You have a greater chance of developing fatty liver disease if:
- You are Hispanic or Asian
- You post-menopausal
- Are obese with a high percentage of body fat
- Have sleep apnea (a blocked airway that causes breathing to stop and start during sleep)
- Have Type 2 diabetes
- Have metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels)
What are the symptoms of fatty liver disease?
People with fatty liver disease often have no symptoms until the disease progresses to cirrhosis of the liver, which can result in failure of the organ. If you do have symptoms, they may include:
- Abdominal pain or a feeling of fullness in the upper right side of the abdomen (belly)
- Nausea, loss of appetite or weight loss
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- Swollen abdomen (ascites) and legs (edema)
- Extreme tiredness or mental confusion
- Weakness
How is it diagnosed?
Because fatty liver disease often has no symptoms, your physician may be the first one to discover it. Higher levels of liver enzymes that turn up on a blood test for other conditions may raise a red flag. Elevated liver enzymes are a sign your liver is injured.
To make a diagnosis, your doctor may order:
- Ultrasound or computed tomography (CT scan) to get a picture of the liver
- Liver biopsy (tissue sample) to determine the progression of the disease
- A specialized ultrasound called a fibroscan instead of a liver biopsy to find out the amount of fat and scar tissue in the liver
How is it treated?
There are no specific medications for fatty liver disease. Instead, doctors focus on controlling factors that contribute to the condition. They also recommend making lifestyle changes that can significantly improve your health.
Treatment includes:
- Avoiding alcohol
- Losing weight
- Taking medications for diabetes and cholesterol
How can it be prevented?
The best way to avoid fatty liver disease is to stay healthy. Here are some tips:
- If you are overweight, lose the weight gradually.
- Exercise regularly.
- Limit your alcohol consumption.
- Take medications as prescribed.
What is a good diet for fatty liver?
Following a balanced diet is important and can help with losing weight the right way – slowly but steadily. Rapid weight loss can actually make fatty liver disease worse. Doctors often recommend the Mediterranean diet or a plant-based diet that is high in vegetables, fruits and good fats. Ask your doctor or a dietitian for recommendations on healthy weight loss techniques.
Can it be reversed?
The good news is the liver can repair itself. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and working closely with your health care team, it’s possible to reduce liver fat and inflammation and reverse early liver damage.
More to Read
- 7 Tips for Healthy, Lasting Weight Loss
- Diabetes Management as You Get Older
- Do You Have Diabetes? You May Also Be at Risk for Liver Disease.
- The Truth About Diabetes and Weight Loss
Medically reviewed by Kirti Shetty, MD.
