
Fatty liver disease affects many people. It happens when too much fat builds up in the liver. This condition can lead to serious health problems. Learning about fatty liver disease helps people make healthy choices and protect their liver.
The liver helps the body by filtering toxins, breaking down fats, and processing nutrients. When fat makes up more than 5% of the liver, fatty liver disease develops. There are two main types:
Fatty liver disease often causes no symptoms at first. Many people do not realize they have it. However, as the disease worsens, symptoms may appear. These include:
Doctors diagnose fatty liver disease with blood tests, imaging scans, or liver biopsies.
Several factors contribute to fatty liver disease. Lifestyle choices, medical conditions, and genetics all play a role.
Eating too much processed food, sugar, and unhealthy fats raises the risk of fatty liver disease. Foods high in refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and sugary drinks, also contribute to fat buildup in the liver.
The body stores excess calories as fat. Without regular exercise, the liver collects too much fat, increasing the risk of fatty liver disease.
Being overweight increases fat levels in the liver. Excess belly fat, in particular, links closely to fatty liver disease.
Drinking too much alcohol damages liver cells and leads to fat buildup. Over time, this can cause liver scarring and disease progression.
Certain health conditions increase the risk of fatty liver disease. These include:
A fatty liver can lead to serious health problems. If left untreated, the disease may progress to more dangerous conditions.
Too much fat in the liver can cause inflammation. This condition, called steatohepatitis, can damage liver cells and lead to scarring.
When the liver experiences long-term damage, scar tissue forms. This scarring, known as fibrosis, can become severe. Cirrhosis occurs when scarring replaces most of the healthy liver tissue. Cirrhosis increases the risk of liver failure and liver cancer.
Fatty liver disease often links to other health problems. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance all increase the risk of heart disease.
In severe cases, long-term liver damage increases the risk of liver cancer. Regular checkups help detect problems early.
Making lifestyle changes helps prevent fatty liver disease and even reverses its effects. The liver can heal itself when given the right care.
A balanced diet reduces fat buildup in the liver. Choose:
Physical activity helps the body burn stored fat. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days. Walking, jogging, biking, and strength training all help reduce liver fat.
Losing extra weight lowers fat levels in the liver. Even a small weight loss improves liver function and overall health.
Reducing alcohol intake protects the liver. Drinking in moderation or avoiding alcohol helps prevent further liver damage.
Managing diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure lowers the risk of fatty liver disease. Regular doctor visits and medications may help.
Fatty liver disease affects many people, but lifestyle changes make a big difference. Eating a healthy diet, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight protect the liver. Understanding the risks and taking action improves overall health and prevents serious complications. Taking care of the liver leads to a longer and healthier life.