Fatty Liver Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

What is Fatty Liver Disease?

Fatty liver disease is a condition in which excess fat accumulates in the liver. It is a broad term that describes several liver disorders, including:

• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Steatotic liver disease (SLD)
• Hepatic steatosis

Causes of Fatty Liver Disease

The most common cause of fatty liver disease is obesity, followed by heavy alcohol consumption. Other risk factors include:

• Metabolic conditions such as diabetes
• Certain medications
• Genetic factors

Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease often does not cause any symptoms in its early stages. As the condition progresses, it can lead to:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Liver damage

Treatment for Fatty Liver Disease

The treatment for fatty liver disease depends on the underlying cause. For NAFLD, the focus is on lifestyle modifications such as:

• Weight loss
• Healthy diet
• Exercise

In cases of alcoholic fatty liver disease, abstaining from alcohol is crucial. Medications may also be prescribed to manage liver damage.