Fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic steatosis, is a condition where fat builds up in the liver. While having small amounts of fat in the liver is normal, excessive accumulation can lead to inflammation, damage, and even severe liver complications.
Moreover, the awareness around fatty liver is so low that people do not realise until it’s too late. So, what exactly causes fatty liver? Is it a severe condition, if yes how can it affect the infected individual? How to prevent it?
Fatty liver disease cause
Fatty liver disease can be categorized into two primary types based on its cause: alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Both types share common mechanisms of fat buildup but differ in their triggers.
- Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD): AFLD occurs due to excessive alcohol consumption. The liver metabolizes alcohol, but this process produces harmful substances that can damage liver cells, promote inflammation, and impair the liver’s ability to break down fats. Over time, these factors lead to fat accumulation.
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): NAFLD is not associated with alcohol intake and is often linked to metabolic risk factors. Causes include:
- Obesity: Excess body weight increases fat deposition in the liver.
- Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes: These conditions interfere with the body’s ability to regulate fat storage and utilization.
- Dyslipidemia: High levels of triglycerides and low levels of HDL (“good cholesterol”) contribute to fat buildup.
- Metabolic syndrome: A combination of obesity, hypertension, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels increases the risk.
- Rapid weight loss or malnutrition: These can disrupt the liver’s fat metabolism.
- Certain medications: Corticosteroids, tamoxifen, and methotrexate can contribute to fatty liver.
Other factors that cause fatty liverFamily history of liver disease may increase susceptibility of fatty liver. Sleep apnea can exacerbate liver inflammation. Women with PCOS are at a higher risk of fatty liver.
Fatty liver disease symptoms
Fatty liver disease often progresses silently, with many individuals remaining asymptomatic in its early stages. However, symptoms may develop as the condition advances. The early symptoms of fatty liver disease include fatigue and general weakness, discomfort or dull pain in the upper right abdomen.
If fatty liver disease progresses to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or liver fibrosis, symptoms may include abdominal swelling (ascites), enlarged spleen, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), spider-like blood vessels on the skin, red palms (palmar erythema), and confusion or difficulty concentrating (hepatic encephalopathy).
How is fatty liver diagnosed?
Fatty liver disease is often detected incidentally during routine check-ups or imaging studies for unrelated conditions.
Accurate diagnosis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.
- Assessment of alcohol consumption, diet, and lifestyle habits
- Evaluation of underlying conditions such as obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome
- Physical signs like an enlarged liver or jaundice
- Liver function tests: Elevated levels of liver enzymes (ALT and AST) may indicate liver damage.
- Lipid profile: Helps assess cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Blood glucose and HbA1c: Used to evaluate insulin resistance or diabetes.
- Ultrasound: A non-invasive and commonly used method to detect fat in the liver.
- CT scan or MRI: Provides more detailed images of the liver and fat distribution.
- FibroScan: Measures liver stiffness to assess fibrosis or scarring.
- In cases where the diagnosis remains uncertain, a liver biopsy may be performed. This involves taking a small sample of liver tissue to evaluate the extent of fat accumulation, inflammation, or fibrosis.
Fatty liver disease prevention
Preventing fatty liver disease requires a healthy lifestyle and addressing risk factors. The most important strategies include:
Prevention of fatty liver disease is very important in reducing the risk of progression to severe liver conditions such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. A proactive approach, involving dietary and lifestyle modifications, can significantly lower the likelihood of developing this condition.
One of the best ways to prevent fatty liver disease is to adopt a nutrient-rich diet. Include lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like nuts, seeds, and fish. Avoid processed foods, sugary beverages, and refined carbohydrates that can promote fat accumulation in the liver. It is also good to cut back on saturated fats and trans fats, which are commonly found in fried foods and baked goods.
Regular physical activity can help control weight and promote good metabolic health. A goal of at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming is recommended. Incorporating strength training exercises twice a week will help build muscle and enhance fat metabolism.
Obesity is a major risk factor for fatty liver disease. Gradual and sustainable weight loss should be aimed at if you are overweight or obese, as rapid weight loss can sometimes worsen the condition.
Even a small percentage of body weight loss can lead to significant improvements in liver health.
Alcohol consumption is the primary cause of fatty liver in AFLD but may also exacerbate NAFLD. Limit alcohol intake to moderate levels or avoid it altogether to protect the health of the liver.
Controlling other medical conditions, including diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension, will prevent fatty liver disease.
It is crucial to work closely with healthcare providers in monitoring and managing these conditions appropriately. Medications may be prescribed to help regulate blood sugar levels or lipid profiles as needed.
Certain medications and environmental toxins damage the liver or enhance fat buildup. Use medication only as directed, and never take over-the-counter drugs or supplements that are harmful to the liver.
Routine medical checkups can detect the early signs of fatty liver disease or its risk factors. Early treatment can prevent progression of the disease and ensure improved health outcomes.
Complications of Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease can progress over time, leading to more severe liver damage and systemic complications if left untreated.
Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: NASH is a more advanced form of NAFLD where there is liver inflammation and damage besides fat accumulation.
It progresses to fibrosis or cirrhosis.
Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis: Fibrosis refers to the deposition of scar tissue within the liver. Advanced cirrhosis represents the end-stage of fibrosis and significantly impairs the function of the liver and may lead to portal hypertension (increased pressure in the veins supplying the liver) and variceal bleeding (bleeding from dilated veins in the esophagus or stomach) and liver failure.
Liver cancer: Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the main risks, or a liver cancer, because of chronic liver inflammation and cirrhosis.
Cardiovascular disease: There is a significant relationship between NAFLD and the increased risk of heart diseases and stroke caused by shared metabolic risk factors.
Kidney disease: Over time, chronic liver disease may cause impairment in the kidney.
Hepatic encephalopathy: Advanced liver failure can cause toxins to accumulate in the blood, leading to confusion, memory impairment, and even a decline in cognitive function.
I’m Manas Ranjan Sahoo: Founder of “Webtirety Software”. I’m a Full-time Software Professional and an aspiring entrepreneur, dedicated to growing this platform as large as possible. I love to Write Blogs on Software, Mobile applications, Web Technology, eCommerce, SEO, and about My experience with Life.
