Understanding Fatty Liver: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
The liver is one of the most critical organs in the body, filtering out toxins, helping digestion, and metabolising nutrients. But when too much fat accumulates in liver cells, a condition called liver fatty disease, it can make the liver less efficient at its job and result in serious health problems.
In recent times, fatty liver disease is increasing in prevalence, with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affecting 20–30% of the UK population. Fatty liver — frequently a silent disease with few or no liver fatty symptoms in its early phases — can result in inflammation, scarring (cirrhosis), and even liver failure if not treated.
The good news? In most cases, early detection and lifestyle changes can reverse fatty liver.
In this blog, we examine what fatty liver disease is, its symptoms of fatty liver, and ways to diagnose and treating fatty liver disease effectively.
What is Fatty Liver?
A fatty liver is when there is over 5–10% of liver weight as fat. A small amount of fat in the liver is ok, but if it is a lot of fat, it can cause swelling and damage to the liver. This early stage marks the beginning of the fatty liver stages.
Types of Fatty Liver Disease
There are two main types of liver fatty disease:
- Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD)
- Due to excessive consumption of alcohol.
- The liver will metabolise the alcohol before the fat, causing your body to store it as fat.
- NAFLD: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty Liver Disease Causes and Risk Factor
Common Causes
- Obesity – Too much body fat leads to fatty liver problem.
- Type 2 Diabetes & Insulin Resistance – When blood sugar is high, the body stores fat.
- High in Cholesterol & Triglycerides – Leads to fatty buildups in the liver.
- Bad Diet – Lots of sugar, white carbs, and junk food, affecting the overall diet of fatty liver.
Other Contributing Factors
- Some drugs (such as steroids and tamoxifen).
- Genetic Susceptibility – The liver fatty condition can accumulate fat faster in some individuals.
- Fast Weight Loss – Compels the liver to burn fats at warp speed.
- Physical Inactivity – Inactivity compounds metabolic health.
Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease
a. Symptoms in Early Stages (Frequently Asymptomatic)
Most individuals with fatty liver have no symptoms at all. Some may feel:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Dull pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen
These are early liver fatty symptoms that are often missed.
b. Progressive Symptoms
As the disease progresses, the following signs of liver fatty may develop:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Unexplained weight loss
- Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly)
c. End-Stage Disease (Cirrhosis Stage)
Should the fatty liver advance to cirrhosis (scarring), symptoms can be life-threatening:
- Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Swollen abdomen (ascites)
- Mental confusion (hepatic encephalopathy)
- More frequent or severe bruising or bleeding
How is Fatty Liver Diagnosed?
Because fatty liver has few, if any, early symptoms, you don’t typically find out you have it until a blood test reveals it. These are part of what are often termed fatty liver blood test results.
1. Medical Evaluation
- Examination (looking for liver enlargement).
- Medical history (alcohol consumption, use of medication, and metabolic disorders).
2. Diagnostic Tests
- Blood Tests – Increased ALT and AST can be indicative of liver stress.
- Ultrasound – This is, however, used in the detection of fat in the liver.
- FibroScan or MRI – Determines the liver stiffness (a marker for fibrosis).
- Biopsy of Liver – Very seldom necessary, but it may confirm the level of severity in long-term, most advanced cases of liver fatty disease.
Potential Complications
Untreated, fatty liver can do things like:
- Steatohepatitis (liver inflammation).
- Fibrosis & Cirrhosis (permanent scarring).
- Liver Cancer (risk is higher if you have cirrhosis).
- Liver Failure (transplant necessary in severe cases).
- Greater risk of heart and kidney disease.
A critical concern in advanced fatty liver stages
Treatment for Fatty Liver Disease and Management
1. Lifestyle Modification (Most Effective Approach)
- Weight loss – Aiming to lose 5–10% of your body weight can significantly decrease liver fat and support fatty liver detox.
- Healthy Diet – Focus on:
- Whole grains, veggies, lean proteins.
- Limiting sugar, refined carbs, and processed foods.
- These changes contribute to an effective diet of fatty liver.
- Regular Activity – Moderate to fast for 30–60 minutes every day.
- Abstain from alcohol (important for not adding insult to injury).
These steps are central in the treatment for fatty liver and answering the common question: Can you reverse fatty liver?
2. Medical Management
- Manage predisposing conditions (diabetes, high cholesterol).
- Don’t take any drugs or supplements that are toxic to the liver.
- Regular liver follow-up to monitor progression as part of treating fatty liver disease.
Can Fatty Liver Be Reversed?
Yes! In the early stages, fatty liver can it be reversed — and quite effectively.
- Sustainable weight loss
- A well-balanced, fatty liver-friendly diet
- Regular physical activity
- Stay away from alcohol and noxious drugs
These lifestyle choices are the best answer to how to cure fatty liver and reverse fatty liver naturally.
Prevention Tips – How to Prevent Fatty Liver Disease
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Follow a Mediterranean-style diet (plenty of olive oil, fish, and nuts).
- Do some exercise every day (even a walk is helpful).
- Limit alcohol intake.
- Get regular health screenings (particularly if at high risk).
- Try a safe fatty liver detox plan under medical guidance.
Conclusion
The silent killer you may never have heard of that’s as big a threat as obesity and is ‘killing us in our 20s’. Fatty liver disease is a ‘silent’ condition that people don’t often associate with ill health. It can be brought on by obesity, poor diet, and other related conditions. Though it may remain asymptomatic initially, neglecting it can result in severe liver damage. The good news? Medicine was able to prevent and even reverse fatty liver in many people.
Our team at Chase Lodge Hospital carries out full liver health checks and tailor-made treatment for fatty liver disease. Early intervention is key if you are at risk or have symptoms of fatty liver.
Well, worried about your liver fatty health? Contact us to book an appointment with one of our liver consultants at Chase Lodge Hospital.
