What Is Fatty Liver Disease?

As the largest internal organ, your liver is responsible for a variety of different functions. It helps you digest food, store energy, create protein for the blood and eliminate poisonous substances from our body.

Although the liver normally contains some fat, too much can cause a condition called fatty liver disease (FLD). And the problem is more widespread than you might think: The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates that roughly 25% of adults and 10% of children in the U.S. have fatty liver disease, making it the most common liver disease in the country.

If you’re concerned about your liver health, learning as much as you can about fatty liver disease — including ways you can work to prevent it — is a great first step.

What Is Fatty Liver Disease?

Fatty liver disease, also called hepatic steatosis, develops when too much fat builds up in the liver. While it doesn’t always cause symptoms, the extra fat makes it harder for your liver to function over time. Left untreated, fatty liver disease can lead to serious or life-threatening health concerns.

There are two main types of fatty liver disease:

• Alcoholic fatty liver disease (alcoholic steatohepatitis)
• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)

Previously called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), this type affects people who drink little to no alcohol. Although experts don’t know the exact cause, MASLD is commonly linked to:

• Certain infections, such as hepatitis C
• Certain medications, including corticosteroids and some cancer drugs
• Certain metabolic disorders, including metabolic syndrome
• High levels of triglycerides (or “bad” cholesterol) in the blood
• Obesity
• Poor eating habits
• Rapid weight loss
• Type 2 diabetes

There are also two types of MASLD:

• Simple fatty liver. People with this condition have little or no liver inflammation or damage. It often has no lasting complications.
• Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This severe form of MASLD occurs in about 1.5% to 6.5% of U.S. adults. People with NASH experience swelling and damage to the liver. These issues can cause significant liver scarring (cirrhosis) or even liver cancer.

Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD)

Alcoholic fatty liver disease is caused by heavy alcohol consumption. When alcohol passes through the liver, the digestive process releases toxic substances that our liver cells absorb.

Although the liver can heal itself over time, extended alcohol use can cause permanent damage. Continued drinking may cause alcoholic fatty liver disease to progress to alcoholic hepatitis (severe inflammation of the liver) and then cirrhosis (significant scarring of the liver that’s often permanent).

Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease is known as a “silent disease” because it often has no symptoms. You may have pain on the upper right side of your stomach, feel tired or just not feel well. As the disease progresses, symptoms may become more severe. Those with later stages of liver disease, such as NASH, alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis, may experience symptoms such as:

• Abdominal swelling
• Confusion
• Enlarged spleen
• Fever
• High blood pressure in the liver
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Nausea
• Red palms
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting
• Weight loss

Diagnosing Fatty Liver Disease

Since symptoms of fatty liver disease often go unnoticed, it’s most frequently detected during tests for unrelated health issues. However, if you suspect your liver may be at risk, your doctor will likely:

• Conduct imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, a CT scan or an MRI, to check for fat buildup in the liver
• Order bloodwork to measure your liver function, blood fats, blood sugar levels and signs of fibrosis (liver scarring)
• Perform a liver biopsy (taking a small sample of tissue from the liver) to test for inflammation and damage
• Take your health history and perform a physical to check for signs of liver problems

Treating Fatty Liver Disease

Since the liver can heal over time, damage caused by fatty liver disease can often be reversed with positive lifestyle changes. Talk with your doctor about:

• Exercising regularly
• Improving your diet
• Limiting alcohol
• Maintaining a healthy weight

Restoring Your Liver and Revitalizing Your Health

Fatty liver disease often goes unnoticed but can lead to serious health issues if it isn’t treated. Because the liver plays such an important role in our overall health, we encourage you to protect it proactively.

Our experienced team at AdventHealth will diagnose your liver condition and create a comprehensive treatment plan focused on whole-person care.

If you’re concerned about your liver health or you think you may be at risk, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Schedule an appointment with our hepatology team today.