Understanding Fatty Liver: Symptoms, Grades, and Effective Treatments

Key takeaways

· Alcohol is the primary cause of alcoholic fatty liver disease.

· Lifestyle factors such as obesity, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes are key risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

· Symptoms may include fatigue, abdominal discomfort, swelling in the abdomen, and jaundice.

· Regular medical check-ups and liver function tests are crucial for early detection.

· Early intervention through lifestyle changes such as quitting alcohol, weight loss and dietary modifications can prevent progressing to more severe stages.

Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat accumulates in your liver, and it's more common than you might think.

There are two main types: Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD), caused by heavy drinking, and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), which is related to lifestyle. When left untreated, fatty liver disease can progress to liver damage and liver cancer.

In this blog, we'll dive into the telltale signs and stages of fatty liver disease, so you know what to watch for. Plus, we'll share the best tips to help you keep your liver healthy. Stay informed and take charge of your liver health with our easy-to-follow guide! ‍

Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD)

1. Risk factors

• This is caused by heavy alcohol use. 
• Genetics, changes in gut microbiome and endotoxins released during some infections are also thought to play a role in its development.‍

2. Stages

AFLD progresses through three main stages:

3. Prevalence in India

• In India, alcohol is the most common cause of cirrhosis.
• The prevalence of alcohol-related cirrhosis ranges from 30% to 70% of all cirrhosis cases. ‍

4. Signs and symptoms

5. Management

Managing AFLD requires a comprehensive approach tailored to the disease's severity. Here’s a detailed guide to the best practices:

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

This occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol. ‍

1. Risk factors

• Risk factors include progressing age, metabolic syndrome, sedentary lifestyle, processed food, genetics, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, coronary artery disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, and hypothyroidism.

2. Stages

NAFLD progresses through 4 stages.  

3. Prevalence in India

• Evidence suggests one in every 3 adults and children in India are affected by NAFLD.
• The risk is 5-fold higher in obese children vs. non-obese children in India ‍

4. Signs and symptoms

5. Management

The American Gastroenterological Association recommends the following lifestyle changes for management:

FAQ's ‍

1. Is fatty liver infiltration serious?

Yes, it can be serious if left untreated, potentially leading to liver damage and other health complications.

2. Is grade 1 fatty liver curable?

Yes, it is often reversible with lifestyle changes such as alcohol abstinence, weight loss, healthy diet, and regular exercise.

3. Is grade 2 fatty liver dangerous?

Grade 2 fatty liver may pose risks and requires close monitoring by a healthcare provider to prevent progression to more severe liver damage.  

4. What food to avoid for fatty liver?

Avoid high-fat, high-sugar foods, processed foods, and excessive alcohol consumption to help manage fatty liver disease.

5. How to treat fatty infiltration of the liver?

Treatments include lifestyle changes such as weight loss, healthy diet, exercise, and avoiding alcohol, along with regular medical monitoring. Certain weight loss pills such as Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) can help reduce fatty liver.

6. What stage is fatty infiltration of the liver?

Fatty liver disease progresses through stages from simple fatty infiltration to more severe stages involving inflammation, scarring, and cirrhosis.

7. What are the best medicines for fatty liver?

There is no specific medication for fatty liver, but lifestyle changes are the primary focus for treatment.

8. Is fatty liver dangerous?

Yes, fatty liver can be dangerous if left untreated, potentially leading to liver damage, cirrhosis, and other serious health complications such as liver cancer and liver failure. Regular medical care and lifestyle changes are essential for management.

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking proactive steps to manage fatty liver disease is crucial for maintaining liver health and overall well-being. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, including quitting alcohol, eating a balanced diet, regular exercise to become slim, and weight loss, individuals can significantly improve their liver function and reduce the risk of complications. Remember, early intervention is key, and regular medical check-ups are essential for monitoring progress.  

To stay motivated and track your health journey effectively, consider downloading the Aware Health Rewards app. With its comprehensive tools and support, you can stay fit, lose weight, and prevent lifestyle conditions such as obesity, pre-diabetes, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Take charge of your health today and embark on a journey towards a healthier, happier you.  ‍

References

1. Malnick SDH, et al. Fatty liver disease-alcoholic and non-alcoholic: similar but different. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Dec 19;23(24):16226. doi: 10.3390/ijms232416226.

2. Patel R, et al. Alcoholic liver disease. [Updated 2023 Jul 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan.

3. Mishra D, et al. A Study on the Temporal Trends in the Etiology of Cirrhosis of Liver in Coastal Eastern Odisha. Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol. 2020;10(1):1-6. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10018-1312.

4. Shalimar, et al. Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Exp Hepatol. 2022;12(3):818-829. doi: 10.1016/j.jceh.2021.11.010.

5. Anton, et al. Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in urban adult population in a tertiary care center, Chennai. Indian Journal of Community Medicine. 2023;48(4):p 601-604. DOI: 10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_437_22.

6. Kudaravalli P, et al. Nonalcoholic fatty liver. [Updated 2023 Apr 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan.

7. Younossi ZM, et al. AGA clinical practice update on lifestyle modification using diet and exercise to achieve weight loss in the management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: expert review. Gastroenterology. 2021;160:912–918.

About the Author
‍
Dr. Satish Madiraju, a renowned cardiologist is passionate about consumer heart health and is on a mission to prevent a million heart attacks. He shares his expertise not only on heart health but also on leadership, digital health, and improving patient experience.