Considering fatty liver as solely an alcohol issue? Think again.
Fatty liver is occurring in non-drinking populations. Nowadays, metabolic disorders including obesity and insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus are considered as one of the major risk factors for fatty liver disease.
The surprising news is that you may have fatty liver unaware.
What is fatty liver?
Fatty liver is defined as when too much fat builds up in the liver.
The new nomenclature is now referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This is associated closely with the metabolic syndrome including overweight or obese state, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidaemia.
Can you have fatty liver without alcohol fatty liver disease?
Yes
Fatty liver is a result of alcohol, but alcohol is not the only cause of the.
Factors that may contribute include:
- Excess body weight
- Type 2 diabetes
- Insulin resistance
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- Poor dietary patterns
- Physical inactivity
- Certain medications or medical conditions
This is why simply saying “I don’t drink, so my liver must be healthy” can be misleading.
Why Is fatty Liver a ”Silent” Problem?
Most of the people with fatty liver have minimal or no symptoms.
Some people may experience:
- Fatigue
- Discomfort in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen
- Weakness
Though, there are no definitive symptoms that can be used to diagnose fatty liver.
Given the patient’s risk factors and presenting condition, doctors may suggest further investigations including blood tests and/or imaging.
Is fatty liver a serious disease?
Don’t simply dismiss fatty liver.
In some individuals, liver inflammation and cirrhosis can occur with time. Some individuals have a greater risk than others according to their circumstances like having diabetes, obesity and other metabolic disorders.
So the key to identifying these patient groups is early recognition which will give you the chance to rectify the contributory risks.
What Can be done to Protect Your Liver?
There is no “detox” from the liver which is an alternative to seeking proper medical attention.
Instead, focus on sustainable lifestyle habits:
Maintain ideal weight: do you overweight? If you are obese, weight loss can be effectively induced both program that is appropriate and safe for your weight.
Maintain physical activity: physical activity on a regular basis is essential for metabolism and overall health.
Select healthy diet: Cut down high consumption of heavily processed foods, sugar and fats.
Manage the diabetes and cholesterol: Managing the metabolic disorders is a key thing of maintaining good liver health.
Self-medicating should be avoided: Consult the doctor about all medicines and supplements.
At what point does one need to see a doctor/obtain advice?
It may be worth consulting with a healthcare professional about assessment of the liver if you have risk factors including:
- Diabetes
- Obesity or overweight (e.g. excess abdominal weight).
- Elevated cholesterol levels.
- It is known that high blood pressure
- Any family history of liver or metabolic disease
- Abnormal liver test results
Ask your doctor which tests are relevant to you
The Bottom Line
You can get a fatty liver without ever having drunk alcohol.
Fatty liver is also very much related to our weight management, sugar metabolism and body metabolism. Due to its asymptomatic nature, awareness and proper health screening will be valuable.
Don’t wait until your liver “hurts” to start considering its health.
Consult a healthcare professional if you have risk factors or concerns and receive expert advice tailored to your circumstances.