What Is Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease refers to a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver, leading to a range of physiological changes. This condition can be identified through specific imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI, which offer a clear view of the liver and help in diagnosing fatty liver changes. For a definitive diagnosis of the pathological changes associated with fatty liver, a liver biopsy may be performed to examine liver tissue under a microscope.

There are several causes of fatty liver disease. One of the most common types is alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is linked to excessive alcohol consumption. Prolonged and heavy drinking can lead to the accumulation of fat in the liver. Besides alcohol, lipid metabolism disorders can also lead to fatty liver, particularly in individuals with metabolic syndrome. In addition to fatty liver, metabolic syndrome may present with symptoms such as abnormal cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, insulin resistance or diabetes, and central obesity.

The progression of fatty liver disease typically starts with simple fat accumulation, known as simple fatty liver. If the condition worsens, it can lead to inflammation and liver cell damage, a stage known as fatty hepatitis. In some cases, fatty hepatitis can advance to fatty liver cirrhosis, which is a more severe and irreversible form of liver damage. Early detection and lifestyle changes are crucial in managing and potentially reversing the early stages of this disease.