In this guide
Fatty liver means excess fat has built up in liver cells. It is very common in India and may be linked with diabetes, obesity, high triglycerides, alcohol intake or sedentary lifestyle. Many patients feel normal, so reports and follow-up matter.
Key Takeaways
- Diabetes or insulin resistance
- Overweight, obesity or increased waist size
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- Alcohol intake
- Low physical activity and high-calorie diet
What causes fatty liver?
Fatty liver can happen when the liver stores more fat than it should. The cause may be metabolic, alcohol-related, medicine-related or linked with other liver conditions.
- Diabetes or insulin resistance
- Overweight, obesity or increased waist size
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- Alcohol intake
- Low physical activity and high-calorie diet
Common symptoms
Most people have no clear symptoms in early fatty liver. It is often found on ultrasound or blood tests.
- Tiredness or low energy
- Heaviness or discomfort in the right upper abdomen
- Bloating or indigestion
- Raised SGPT/SGOT on liver function tests
- Fatty liver reported on ultrasound
When to consult a liver specialist
Specialist review is important when liver tests are abnormal, diabetes is present, FibroScan suggests stiffness or there are warning signs such as jaundice, swelling or low platelets.
How fatty liver is treated
Treatment depends on severity and cause. Weight reduction, diabetes control, exercise, diet changes, alcohol avoidance and monitoring are usually central to care.