Fatty liver
What is fatty liver?
Fatty liver, or steatosis, refers to a condition in which excess fat accumulates in the liver cells. It is not yet a full-blown liver disease, but if left untreated, it can progress to inflammation, fibrosis, and even liver cirrhosis.Fatty liver is a common condition that is particularly associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and excessive alcohol consumption
Types of fatty liver
Types of fatty liver
Most common form
Associated with insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndrome
Can develop into inflammatory (NASH)
Alcoholic fatty liver (AFLD)
Caused by long-term alcohol consumption
Can improve rapidly after cessation of alcohol use
How to recognize fatty liver?
Fatty liver is often asymptomatic and is discovered incidentally, for example, during blood tests or ultrasound examinations.If symptoms occur, they may include:
Fatigue and general exhaustion
Unpleasant feeling or pressure under the right rib cage
Mild nausea or loss of appetite
Most often, fatty liver does not cause clear pain or acute sensations – therefore, it can develop unnoticed for a long time.
How is fatty liver diagnosed?
Blood tests
Liver values (ALAT, ASAT, GT) may be elevated, but are often normal
Fat values and blood sugar can provide indications of risk factors
Imaging
Ultrasound is the most common and quick way to detect fatty liver
Magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography can be used if a more accurate assessment is needed
Liver biopsy
Rarely necessary
Confirms the degree of inflammation and scarring if NASH or other liver disease is suspected
What causes fatty liver?
Most common reasons:
Overweight and abdominal obesity
Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
Excessive alcohol consumption
High cholesterol and triglycerides
Too energy-dense and fatty diet
Certain medications or metabolic disorders
Can fatty liver be cured?
Yes.Fatty liver is a reversible condition if the cause is removed and lifestyle changes are made in a timely manner. Key measures:
Weight loss
A 5–10% weight loss can significantly reduce the amount of fat in the liver
Diet
A Mediterranean or plant-based diet is effective
Reducing sugar, white grains, and saturated fats is essential
Exercise
Aerobic exercise and strength training reduce liver fat, even if weight does not decrease significantly
Avoiding alcohol
Complete abstinence is recommended, especially if there is inflammation in the liver
Medications
Currently, there is no specific medication for fatty liver, but diabetes and blood pressure medications can support comprehensive treatment
What happens if fatty liver is not treated?
Untreated fatty liver can progress to:
Inflammation (NASH = non-alcoholic steatohepatitis)
Liver fibrosis or accumulation of connective tissue
Cirrhosis of the liver
In rare cases, liver cancer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1.Is fatty liver dangerous?
In the early stages, it is generally not, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious liver damage and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
2. Can fatty liver be detected in blood tests?
It may be indicated by a slight elevation in liver values, but often the values are normal. A more accurate assessment requires imaging studies.
3. How quickly can fatty liver improve?
After lifestyle changes, improvement can occur within 1–3 months. Complete recovery depends on the extent of the changes and underlying factors.
4. Can alcohol be consumed if one has fatty liver?
The recommendation is to abstain completely, as alcohol puts stress on the liver and can promote inflammation and scarring.
5. Can a person with normal weight have fatty liver?
Yes. Fatty liver can also occur in individuals of normal weight, especially if the diet is unhealthy or if there is a genetic predisposition or metabolic disorder.