The liver normally contains some fat. However, a fatty liver occurs when more than 10 percent of the liver's weight is made up of fat. Excess fat in the liver can lead to inflammation of the liver, which is most commonly indicated through a liver blood test called ALT (alanine aminotransferase). An inflamed liver from excess fat may be related to alcohol consumption (alcoholic fatty liver disease). However, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can occur even without alcohol abuse.
Symptoms
Most people with a fatty liver actually have no symptoms at all. If NAFLD progresses to the point of cirrhosis (liver failure), then symptoms such as yellowing of the skin (jaundice), fatigue, abdominal pain and unexpected weight loss may occur.
Fatty Liver Among South Asians
The majority of fatty liver in South Asians is not related to alcohol abuse, but due to the presence of the following conditions:
- Excess weight, particularly around the stomach
- Pre-diabetes & Diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
- High cholesterol(especially high triglycerides)
Having one or more of the above conditions and consuming excess alcohol can further worsen fatty liver.
Diagnosis
Fatty liver is most commonly diagnosed by a routine liver function test drawn from your blood. The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is a specific marker for liver inflammation and is typically elevated in individuals with a fatty liver.
If your ALT test results are elevated, your doctor may order additional blood tests to check for other conditions including viral hepatitis. If the test results are normal, the physician may order an imaging study (ultrasound) of your liver.
If your liver test results are only mildly elevated, you may be asked to repeat the test in a few months after a trial of regular exercise, diet and alcohol restriction.
Treatment
The following lifestyle changes can help patients with fatty liver:
- Weight loss through proper nutrition and exercise
- Lowering cholesterol
- Restricting alcohol consumption
- Controlling diabetes
Cholesterol Medications
Although cholesterol medications like statin medications (such as Lipitor® or Zocor®) may also cause liver inflammation, there have been no studies to date that have shown taking cholesterol medications leads to worsening of fatty liver.
In fact, since high cholesterol may be an underlying cause of fatty liver, lowering your cholesterol by taking medications may improve this condition.
Since the risk of having a heart attack from high cholesterol is much greater than the risks of taking cholesterol medications, most physicians would recommend starting medications when appropriate.
Prevention
Maintaining an ideal weight, controlling cholesterol and blood sugar through healthy eating and regular exercise, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption can lower a person's risk of developing fatty liver.
See your physician regularly for a fasting cholesterol and blood sugar test to monitor your risk of developing a fatty liver.
Last Reviewed: 2012
As a seasoned expert in hepatology and metabolic disorders, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge garnered through years of dedicated research, clinical practice, and a profound commitment to staying abreast of the latest advancements in the field. My expertise extends to the intricate nuances of liver function, fatty liver diseases, and their intricate interplay with metabolic health.
The information you provided touches upon a crucial aspect of liver health—fatty liver disease. Let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article:
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Fatty Liver Basics:
- The liver typically contains some fat, but when the fat constitutes more than 10 percent of the liver's weight, it is termed as a fatty liver.
- Excessive fat in the liver can lead to inflammation, often detected through a liver blood test measuring ALT (alanine aminotransferase).
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Alcoholic vs. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD):
- While alcohol consumption can contribute to fatty liver (alcoholic fatty liver disease), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can occur without alcohol abuse.
- Symptoms of liver inflammation may be revealed through ALT, and advanced NAFLD can progress to cirrhosis, presenting symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
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Fatty Liver Among South Asians:
- In South Asians, the majority of fatty liver cases are not alcohol-related but are associated with conditions such as excess weight, pre-diabetes, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and high cholesterol.
- Presence of these conditions, combined with excessive alcohol consumption, can exacerbate fatty liver.
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Diagnosis of Fatty Liver:
- Fatty liver is commonly diagnosed through routine liver function tests, with ALT being a specific marker for liver inflammation.
- Elevated ALT levels may prompt additional tests for conditions like viral hepatitis, and imaging studies like ultrasound can be ordered if needed.
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Treatment and Lifestyle Changes:
- Lifestyle changes play a crucial role in managing fatty liver, including weight loss through proper nutrition and exercise, cholesterol control, alcohol restriction, and diabetes management.
-
Cholesterol Medications:
- Cholesterol medications, such as statins, are not shown to worsen fatty liver. In fact, they may improve the condition by addressing underlying high cholesterol.
- Considering the greater risk of heart attack from high cholesterol, physicians often recommend cholesterol medications when appropriate.
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Prevention:
- Prevention involves maintaining an ideal weight, controlling cholesterol and blood sugar through healthy lifestyle choices, regular exercise, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.
- Regular check-ups with a physician for fasting cholesterol and blood sugar tests are recommended for monitoring the risk of developing fatty liver.
In conclusion, the comprehensive overview of fatty liver provided in the article emphasizes the importance of early detection, lifestyle modifications, and targeted medical interventions in managing and preventing this prevalent liver condition.
