Fatty liver occurs when there is an excessive accumulation of fat in the liver, a condition often seen in people who are overweight or have diabetes.

While it may not cause immediate symptoms, it can lead to serious health issues. Adopting a healthier lifestyle is crucial for preventing and managing fatty liver.

The liver is the body’s primary responsible for processing food and waste. A healthy liver contains minimal to no fat. However, when alcohol is consumed in excess or when overeating occurs, the body converts some of those extra calories into fat, which is stored in the liver cells.

Fatty liver develops when fat accounts for more than 5% to 10% of the liver's total weight. This condition is becoming increasingly common due to higher consumption of added sugars and unhealthy fat. In Australia, approximately 1 in 3 adults is affected by fatty liver disease.

Fatty liver disease often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. However, some people may experience:

1. Fatigue or a general feeling of being unwell.

2. Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.

3. Unexplained weight loss.

If the condition progresses to a more severe stage, you may notice signs such as:

1. Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice).

2. Easy bruising.

3. Swollen abdomen.

4. Vomiting blood.

5. Black-colored stools.

6. Itchy skin.

Fatty liver disease typically develops over time due to a combination of factors. The most common causes include:

1. Being overweight or obese, particularly around the abdomen.

2. Having type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance.

3. Having high blood cholesterol or high triglycerides.

4. Excessive alcohol consumption.

Less common causes of fatty liver include:

1. An underactive thyroid.

2. Certain medications.

How is Fatty Liver Disease Treated?

There are no specific medications to treat fatty liver disease. Treatment mainly focuses on making lifestyle changes, which can help improve and even reverse the condition. For those with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, the following steps are typically recommended:

1. Adopt a healthy diet and reduce sugar intake.

2. Lose weight.

3. Exercise regularly.

4. Manage blood sugar levels.

5. Treat high cholesterol if present.

6. Avoid medications that can negatively impact the liver.

7. Limit or avoid alcohol consumption and quit smoking.

Can Fatty Liver Disease be Prevented?

Preventing metabolic-associated fatty liver disease involves adopting the same lifestyle changes recommended for those already affected by the condition, such as:

1. Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fat.

2. Maintaining a healthy weight.

3. Limiting or avoiding alcohol.

4. Staying physically active on most days of the week.

If you're not currently exercising regularly, it's a good idea to consult with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine!