Fatty Liver Disease
Accumulation of excess fat in liver cells, ranging from simple steatosis to inflammatory NASH.
Overview
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver condition worldwide, affecting up to 25% of the global population. It ranges from simple fat accumulation (steatosis) to Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) which can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Causes
- Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome
- Obesity (especially central obesity)
- Type 2 diabetes
- High triglycerides and cholesterol
- Rapid weight loss or starvation
- Certain medications (corticosteroids, tamoxifen)
Risk Factors
- Obesity (BMI > 30)
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol/triglycerides
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Sleep apnea
- Age over 50
- South Asian ethnicity
Symptoms
Diagnosis
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST)
- Ultrasound abdomen
- FibroScan (transient elastography)
- CT/MRI liver
- Liver biopsy (gold standard for NASH diagnosis)
Treatment Options
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is not the primary treatment for fatty liver. However, bariatric surgery (sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass) has shown remarkable improvement in NAFLD/NASH for morbidly obese patients. In cases progressing to end-stage liver disease, liver transplantation becomes the definitive treatment.
Recovery
Fatty liver is reversible in early stages. With sustained weight loss of 7-10% body weight, liver fat reduces significantly within 6-12 months. NASH may take longer but can also improve with lifestyle changes.
Prevention
- Maintain healthy weight (BMI 18.5-24.9)
- Exercise 150 minutes per week
- Mediterranean diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish)
- Limit sugar and processed foods
- Avoid alcohol
- Control diabetes and cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Can fatty liver be cured?
Is fatty liver dangerous?
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