Fatty Liver, Symptoms, Causes & Stages
“Doctor, fatty liver? Should I be worried?”
This is a question many patients ask us at Sikund Diagnostic Centre. The name itself can sound unsettling. A liver full of fat? Does that mean something dangerous? Can it be treated? Let’s break it down step by step.
Table of Content:
- What is Fatty Liver?
- Types of Fatty Liver
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Stages of Fatty Liver
- Diagnosis
- Lifestyle habits that helps
- Why you should pick up Sikund Diagnostic Centre
- In a Nutshell
What is Fatty Liver?
In simple terms, fatty liver means the cells in your liver have started storing more fat than they should. Normally, the liver has very little fat. But when fat makes up more than 5–10% of its weight, doctors call it fatty liver disease.
Now, is it always dangerous? Not always. In a few cases, it’s mild and reversible. But if you keep ignoring this, it can progress to inflammation, scarring, or even cirrhosis. The key message with the disease diagnosis is: take it seriously, but don’t panic. It is manageable with lifestyle changes and early diagnosis.
Types of Fatty Liver
Yes, there’s more than one type:
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD): It is caused by excessive alcohol use. But in some cases, even moderate drinking can trigger it, it totally depends on how the body processes alcohol.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Far more common, especially in India. Linked to lifestyle factors like obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol not alcohol. Regular checkups is must because NAFLD develops usually without any obvious symptoms.
Symptoms
Here’s the tricky part: most people don’t notice symptoms in the early stages. It’s often discovered during an ultrasound or health check done for another reason.
As the condition advances, some signs may include
- Ongoing tiredness or weakness
- Feeling of heaviness or fullness on the right side of the abdomen
- Poor appetite or unexplained weight loss
- Mild abdominal pain or discomfort
- Nausea or bloating
- Yellowing of eyes or skin (in later stages)
- Not everyone develops symptoms, which makes preventive health checks so important.
Causes
There is no single reason to be blamed for the fat accumulation on the liver.Usually health conditions, lifestyle and genetics can be the reason of this.
Common risk factors are
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- Lack of physical activity
- Diets high in sugar, fried, or processed foods
- Alcohol use
- Certain medicines like steroids
- Rapid weight loss
Stages of Fatty Liver
Yes, fatty liver progresses in stages.
- Simple Fatty Liver (Steatosis): It is the early stage, in most cases reversible.
- NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis): In NASH liver has accumulation of fat and also inflammation, it is usually more serious.
- Fibrosis: Scarring begins, liver function starts to decline.
- Cirrhosis: This stage is very severe, and the damages are irreversible. Higher risk of liver failure or cancer.
The earlier it’s detected, the easier it is to stop progression.
Diagnosis
Doctors use a mix of blood tests and imaging to confirm fatty liver:
- Ultrasound (USG abdomen)
- Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
- FibroScan or Elastography
- CT or MRI if needed
- Blood sugar and cholesterol profiles
These tests are safe, quick, and non-invasive.
Can Fatty Liver Be Reversed?
Yes, especially in the early stages. Consistent changes in lifestyle, can help in managing the fatty liver.
- Lose body weight by 5-10%
- Eat balanced diet. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins rather than processed or oily foods.
- Exercise regularly.
- Stop Alcohol
- Take medication as prescribed.
- Get regular check-ups.
Lifestyle habits that helps
Caring for your liver isn’t just about avoiding bad habits; it’s also about building healthy ones:
- Drink enough water throughout the day.
- Choose home-cooked meals instead of fast food or deep-fried snacks.
- Eat smaller portions more often rather than heavy, irregular meals.
- Add omega-3 rich foods like flax seeds, walnuts, or fish.
- Get 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night.
- Manage stress- try meditation, light exercise, or simply doing things you enjoy.
These adjustments are very small but these will bring alot of chnages in your liver’s health.
Why you should pick up Sikund Diagnostic Centre
- Advanced imaging with Ultrasound, CT, and MRI
- Accurate and quick reports
- Experienced radiologists who are specialized in liver evaluation
- Friendly, caring staff that prioritizes your comfort
- Complete guidance, not just medical, but lifestyle advice too
In a Nutshell
Fatty liver is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver. If you neglect this initially, it can lead to serious complications. The good news is that with early diagnosis and the right approach, it can be controlled and even reversed.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed, don’t delay. Visit Sikund Diagnostic Centre for reliable testing, expert advice, and supportive care. Your liver and your future self will thank you.