Fatty Liver Disease: Understanding Its Causes, Risks, and Prevention

November 5, 2024

The excessive build-up of fat in the liver may result in a fatty liver disease that affects the liver function. Consequently, a patient with fatty liver disease may experience fatigue, pain, abdominal swelling, and unexplained weight loss. The liver contains some amount of fat naturally but more than 5% of it may cause fatty liver disease. 

People who have heavy alcohol consumption may suffer from this condition and may need to opt for fatty liver treatment in Chandigarh. However, if the condition is in the initial stages, one may reverse the symptoms with lifestyle changes and medicines. 

Understanding fatty liver disease

Fatty liver disease occurs due to excess fat within the liver and is more common in overweight or diabetic people. While the symptoms do not appear easily in some cases, the health problems may be obvious. Lifestyle changes serve as a big advantage in mild to moderate cases of fatty liver disease to improve the condition. 

A healthy liver contains minimal fat as it processes the waste materials and food in the body. The human body deals with excess alcohol or food by turning it into fat which remains in the liver. It is common

in people who consume added fats but then look for a fatty liver doctor near me. 

 

Symptoms of fatty liver disease 

There are a few symptoms typical of fatty liver disease including pain in the right abdominal region and tiredness. 

  1. Enlarged blood vessels 
  2. Redness in palms 
  3. Nausea 
  4. Abdominal swelling 
  5. Loss of appetite 
  6. Enlarged breasts in men
  7. Mental confusion 
  8. Jaundice like condition 
  9. Weight loss 

 

Prevalence of fatty liver disease 

Fatty liver disease is one of the reasons for liver cirrhosis, and cancer highlighting the need for fatty liver treatment. 

  1. More than 25% of the global population suffers from fatty liver disease and its symptoms. 
  2. Around 80% of obese people suffer from the symptoms of fatty liver disease. 
  3. 40% - 50% of diabetic patients are also the patients of fatty liver disease 
  4. The condition affects even children who are obese and estimated numbers for the same are around 60% to 70%. 

 

Causes of fatty liver disease

The fat accumulates in the liver in fatty liver disease and the causes for the same may be umpteen. 

Alcohol consumption is a common factor for fatty liver disease as heavy alcohol alters the metabolic functions of the liver. The metabolic products combine with fatty acids to cause fat build-up in the liver. This may increase the need to go for the best medication for fatty liver disease

It is difficult to find the cause of fatty liver disease in people who are non-alcoholic. In these cases, the condition may be due to the inability of the body to metabolize the naturally occurring fat efficiently. 

Some other potential factors that may have a role in causing fatty liver disease are listed below which may include: 

 

  1. Obesity 
  2. Insulin resistance 
  3. Metabolic diseases 
  4. Side effects due to certain medications 
  5. Rare genetic causes 
  6. Type 2 diabetes 
  7. Higher fat levels in the blood 
  8. Pregnancy 
  9. Infections like Hepatitis C

 

Risk factors for fatty liver disease 

A majority of the patients suffering from fatty liver disease symptoms are obese and usually are in the middle-age group. There are a few factors that increase the risk of developing fatty liver disease in certain individuals.

 

  1. A Body Mass Index above the normal range 
  2. Resistance to insulin 
  3. An increase in the triglyceride levels 
  4. Hypertension or increased blood pressure levels 
  5. Diabetes 
  6. High cholesterol levels 
  7. Excess of alcohol consumption 

 

Diagnosis of fatty liver disease 

A person noticing the symptoms of fatty liver disease must see their doctor and tell them about the same. The doctor will ask for a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination to confirm a fatty liver disease. 

One may need to undergo liver imaging scans like an MRI, ultrasound or a CT scan to confirm the diagnosis. The doctor may also ask for a liver biopsy to determine the progression of the disease in the body. 

 

Treatment of fatty liver disease 

Although there are no medications for fatty liver treatment, making some lifestyle changes may prove fruitful. This may not only help limit the progression of the condition but also reverse the symptoms in some cases. 

The doctor may ask the patient to follow a healthy diet free from added fats and sugars. One must lose weight, exercise regularly and quit smoking & alcohol. 

 

Prevention of fatty liver disease 

To prevent fatty liver disease, the patients must follow the instructions and lifestyle changes from the doctor. A healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits can help reverse any symptoms of the condition. 

Quitting alcohol and staying physically active can help a lot in stopping the progression of fatty liver disease. 

Sohana Hospital is the first choice for patients suffering from fatty liver disease as we have state-of-the-art facilities. Our team of doctors, dietitians and specialists accurately diagnose the condition to plan treatment according to the severity.