Key Facts
Some fat in the liver is normal. But if fat makes up more than 5%-10% of the weight of your liver it is considered abnormal. Fatty liver can be associated with excessive alcohol, obesity, diabetes, high triglycerides and certain medications.
The diagnosis is usually made incidentally during a routine health screening with an ultrasound scan indicating the presence of fatty liver. If the liver function tests are normal the condition is usually benign. If the liver function tests are abnormal then an assessment by a specialist should be sought. The diagnosis of fatty liver is usually made by the exclusion of other liver diseases such as viral hepatitis etc.
Treatment
Treatment is to address the underlying risk factors such as managing the weight and tighter control of the diabetes if present. If alcohol intake is excessive to curtail the intake of alcohol.
- One of the commonest liver condition with increasing prevalence of obesity
- Can lead to cirrhosis
- Can be associated to heavy alcohol intake - Alcoholic Fatty Liver
- If no alcohol intake - Non-Acloholic Fatty Liver Disease which is usually associated with metabolic syndrome (high cholesterol & triglycerides, high blood pressure and overweight/obesity)
- Is reversible
- Non-invasive assessment with Fibroscan or MRI
Some fat in the liver is normal. But if fat makes up more than 5%-10% of the weight of your liver it is considered abnormal. Fatty liver can be associated with excessive alcohol, obesity, diabetes, high triglycerides and certain medications.
The diagnosis is usually made incidentally during a routine health screening with an ultrasound scan indicating the presence of fatty liver. If the liver function tests are normal the condition is usually benign. If the liver function tests are abnormal then an assessment by a specialist should be sought. The diagnosis of fatty liver is usually made by the exclusion of other liver diseases such as viral hepatitis etc.
Treatment
Treatment is to address the underlying risk factors such as managing the weight and tighter control of the diabetes if present. If alcohol intake is excessive to curtail the intake of alcohol.