Fatty liver disease
Fatty liver disease happens when too much fat builds up inside the liver cells.
A small amount of fat is normal — but when fat makes up more than 5–10% of the liver’s weight, it becomes a problem.
Your liver is your body’s detox factory — it processes nutrients, filters toxins, and helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol. When fat overloads it, function starts to suffer.
🔎 Two Main Types
🍺 Alcohol-Related Fatty Liver
Caused by heavy alcohol use over time.
🍔 Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Fat buildup not caused by alcohol.
Common in people with:
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Obesity
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Type 2 diabetes
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High cholesterol
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Metabolic syndrome
If inflammation develops, it can progress to NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis) — which is more serious.
🧠 What’s Happening Inside the Liver?
Fat accumulation can lead to:
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Simple fatty liver (reversible)
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Inflammation
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Scarring (fibrosis)
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Cirrhosis (permanent liver damage)
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Increased risk of liver failure or liver cancer
Most people feel no symptoms early on. That’s what makes it sneaky.
⚠️ Possible Symptoms (Usually Later Stages)
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Fatigue
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Discomfort in upper right abdomen
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Enlarged liver
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Yellowing of skin/eyes (advanced cases)
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Swelling in legs or abdomen (cirrhosis stage)
🧪 How It’s Diagnosed
Doctors may use:
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Blood tests (elevated liver enzymes)
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Ultrasound
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MRI or FibroScan
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Liver biopsy (in some cases)
🛑 Is It Reversible?
Yes — especially in early stages.
The liver is one of the few organs that can regenerate.
💪 Treatment & Prevention
There’s no magic pill — but lifestyle changes are powerful:
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✔️ Lose 5–10% of body weight
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✔️ Reduce sugar and processed carbs
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✔️ Exercise regularly
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✔️ Control diabetes & cholesterol
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✔️ Avoid alcohol (or strictly limit it)
Even modest weight loss can dramatically reduce liver fat.
⚡ Bottom Line
Fatty liver disease is common — and often silent.
Caught early, it is very treatable.
Ignored long term, it can become life-threatening.
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