What is Fatty Liver Disease?
Fatty liver disease occurs when excessive fat accumulates in liver cells. In recent medical nomenclature, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is classified as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). When left unmanaged, simple fatty liver (steatosis) can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), leading to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma.
Common Risk Factors & Causes
Key predisposing factors associated with hepatic fat accumulation include:
- Insulin Resistance & Type 2 Diabetes: Impaired glucose metabolism increases hepatic triglyceride synthesis.
- Abdominal Obesity: Higher waist circumference correlates with visceral fat deposits around organs.
- Dyslipidemia: Elevated triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol levels.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical exercise reduces metabolic fat clearance.
Early Symptoms & Diagnostic Screening
Most individuals with early-stage fatty liver experience no noticeable symptoms. However, some patients report vague upper right abdominal fullness, fatigue, or mild discomfort.
Recommended diagnostic evaluations include:
- Ultrasonography of Whole Abdomen: Evaluates liver echogenicity and fat grading (Grade 1 to 3).
- Liver Function Tests (LFT): Assesses ALT (SGPT), AST (SGOT), and Gamma-GT enzymes.
- FibroScan (Transient Elastography): Measures exact liver stiffness (kPA) and Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) for fat quantification.
Preventive Measures & Dietary Management
Reversing fatty liver requires structured lifestyle interventions:
- Caloric Restriction: Aiming for 5% to 10% body weight reduction significantly reduces liver fat content.
- Mediterranean-Style Diet: High in green vegetables, olive oil, nuts, lean proteins, and low in sugary drinks and processed carbs.
- Regular Aerobic Exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week improves insulin sensitivity.