What is Fatty Liver Disease?
What is fatty liver disease?
Hi, I'm Dr Thomas Worland, a gastroenterologist and Hepatologist from Melbourne, Australia.
Fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic steatosis, is a condition where fat builds up in your liver.
Normally, a small amount of fat is present in the liver, but when it exceeds 5 to 10% of the total weight of the organ, it can lead to liver disease.
There are two main types of fatty liver disease, alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, also known as metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).
Alcoholic fatty liver disease is caused by excessive alcohol consumption, which can lead to a buildup of fat in a liver. This can eventually progress to more serious conditions, such as alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis, if the alcohol consumption is not reduced or stopped. If you have a history of heavy drinking, it's important to talk to your doctor about the potential risks and how to manage your alcohol intake.
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease, or MAFLD, is becoming increasingly common, especially in individuals who are overweight or obese. It can also be linked to other conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
MAFLD is often referred to as the silent disease, because it may not cause any symptoms in the early stages, making it difficult to diagnose without proper testing. However, as it progresses, MAFLD can lead to serious complications, such as liver inflammation and scarring. Symptoms of fatty liver disease can vary depending on the severity of the condition.
In the early stages, you may not experience any symptoms at all.
However, as the disease progresses, you may start noticing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain and swelling in the abdomen. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to see your doctor for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. Diagnosing fatty liver disease typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests and imaging studies, such as ultrasound or liver ellistography.
Early diagnosis is key in managing fatty liver disease, so don't hesitate to seek medical attention if you have any concerns about your liver health.
Treatment for fatty liver disease focuses on addressing the underlying causes and reducing the amount of fat in the liver.
For alcoholic fatty liver disease, the most important step is to stop drinking alcohol and seek support if needed. For metabolic associated fatty liver disease, lifestyle changes such as weight loss, healthy eating and regular exercise can help improve liver health. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help reduce fat build up in the liver and prevent progression of liver disease.
Preventing fatty liver disease involves making healthy lifestyle choices and managing underlying risk factors. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and not drinking excess alcohol can all help reduce your risk of developing fatty liver disease. It's also important to manage conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol as they can contribute to the development of MAFLD.
Additional videos on a range of common conditions are available to view on the Gastroenterology Specialist Care YouTube channel.
Note, this video is not a medical consultation. Any medical information is general in nature and is not intended to provide individual clinical advice. You should contact your doctor or other healthcare professional in relation to any concerns they may have, as your own circumstances may be different.
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