Fatty Liver Disease

Understanding the buildup of fat in the liver, its causes, lifestyle interventions, and medical treatments

Overview

Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver and is commonly linked to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. It often causes no symptoms, but in some people it can progress to liver inflammation, scarring, cirrhosis, and liver cancer if not identified early.

Symptoms & Causes

What is fatty liver disease?

Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat accumulates within liver cells. It is most commonly linked to metabolic health conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, when it is known as Metabolic-dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), formerly known as Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). It may also be influenced by alcohol intake, though many people develop fatty liver without drinking heavily.

Why can fatty liver be a problem?

In many people, fatty liver causes no symptoms and may never progress. However, in a proportion of individuals, fat accumulation leads to ongoing liver inflammation and scarring. Over time, this can progress to cirrhosis and could increase the risk of liver cancer.

Because symptoms are often absent, fatty liver disease may go undetected until advanced stages. People with fatty liver disease may sometimes experience:

  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen

Common risk factors include obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome.

Diagnosis & Treatment

How is fatty liver disease assessed?

Liver blood tests alone are not sufficient to assess severity. Evaluation often includes:

  • Blood-based fibrosis risk scores
  • Imaging such as ultrasound, CT or MRI scan
  • Non-invasive tests such as FibroScan

These help identify whether liver scarring is present and guide follow-up.

How is it managed?

Management focuses on addressing underlying metabolic risk factors, including weight, diet, physical activity, and alcohol intake where relevant. Early identification allows intervention before permanent liver damage develops.