Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis) occurs when too much fat builds up in the liver, affecting this organ's function.
What Does the Liver Do?
The liver is an important organ that helps clean your blood, store energy, break down food, and detoxify the body.
Two Types of Liver Disease
Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) is caused by drinking too much alcohol. Heavy drinking can cause fat to build up in cells of your liver, which makes it inflamed. Over time, it can cause even bigger problems such as scarring of the liver (cirrhosis).
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol. The main causes include obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Poor diet, a lack of exercise, and certain drugs can also contribute.
On the Rise
Fatty liver disease is on the rise—especially NAFLD, the most common form. About 25% of people in the US have NAFLD.
symptoms
When fat is first building up in the liver, you may not notice any symptoms. But over time, you may notice:
Fatigue
One of the most common symptoms of fatty liver disease is feeling unusually tired or sluggish, even if you’re getting plenty of sleep.
Stomach Pain or Discomfort
People with fatty liver disease may notice a dull pain or discomfort in the upper right side of their stomach, where is where your liver is located.
Unexplained Weight Loss
As liver function declines, some people may notice that they’re losing weight without trying.
Jaundice
As fatty liver disease progresses, skin or the whites of your eyes may start to look more yellow.
Swelling in the Stomach or Legs
If liver disease becomes severe, fluid buildup (called ascites) may occur in the stomach or swelling in the legs.
Dark Urine & Pale Stool
If urine looks dark or bowel movements are light, those may be signs that the liver is struggling.
Treatment
Early detection can often stop fatty liver disease from getting worse. Here are the top ways to treat and prevent fatty liver disease.
Dietary Changes
Eating a balanced diet that’s low in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats can help to reduce the amount of fat that’s building up in your liver. Focus on eating mainly vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (such as those from nuts, seeds, and olive oil).
Exercise
Getting regular physical activity, especially aerobic exercises like walking, cycling, or swimming, can help to reduce liver fat and improve your overall health.
Avoid Alcohol
With AFLD, the most effective treatment is to stop drinking alcohol altogether. But even with NAFLD, reducing or eliminating alcohol can help to protect the liver.
Checkups
Getting regular checkups with your health care provider is important for monitoring your liver function. This is often done with a blood test. In some cases, a liver biopsy or imaging tests like ultrasound may be needed to assess liver damage.
Medications
While there are no specific medications to treat fatty liver disease, your health care provider may prescribe medications to help manage underlying health conditions that can contribute to the disease—such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.
How We Can Help
If you have fatty liver disease or conditions like obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol or heavy alcohol consumption that increase your risk, work closely with your health care provider to manage your health and prevent liver damage.
For additional care, your provider may refer you to a liver specialist (hepatologist). Our team will work closely with the specialist to coordinate your care and provide the support you need.
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