Understanding Fatty Liver Disease

Dr. K. Elan Kumaran, Head, Liver Diseases and Transplantation at Kauvery Hospital, shares valuable insights regarding the fatty liver disease. The doctor worries that most people who come in today for a regular health check-up show signs of a fatty liver. If not reversed, it could worsen, and liver failure treatment may be needed.

What is fatty liver?

Fatty liver disease occurs due to the accumulation of triglycerides and other fats in the liver cells. Our liver should optimally contain 1-4% fat. If your liver contains between 5-15% fat, you have a fatty liver.

There are two kinds of fatty liver disease:-

•  Alcoholic fatty liver disease

•  Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Alcoholic fatty liver disease

Also known as alcoholic hepatitis, it occurs due to fat build-up and inflammation in the liver due to excessive alcohol consumption.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

This covers liver conditions that occur in people who drink little to no alcohol. Risk factors include:-

•         High cholesterol

•         Obesity

•         High blood pressure

•         Insulin resistance

•         Type 2 diabetes

Also Read: Functions and Diseases of the liver and how to keep it healthy

Prevention of fatty liver

Fatty liver is related to your lifestyle and shows no symptoms in the beginning. Unfortunately, by the time any symptoms manifest, the liver is already damaged, and you may need liver failure treatment. If you have been diagnosed with fatty liver, here are some tips on bringing it under control to reduce liver failure risk.

•         Maintain optimum weight

•         Eat a nutritious diet

•         Take regular exercise

•         Avoid alcohol

•         Take medication as prescribed

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