Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
When too much fat adds up in your liver cells, it might cause inflammation or scarring. When a person consumes more fat and sugars than his or her body can handle, it often leads to a fat buildup in the liver. But fatty liver disease can also occur in adults with healthy body weights. Fatty livers are also often associated with type 2 diabetes. There are two types of fatty liver diseases. Alcoholic fatty liver disease, caused by excessive consumption of alcohol and non-fatty liver disease. Although there is no immediate harm, a fatty liver is always more susceptible to risks.
What are the risk factors for Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?
- Overweight or obesity
- Insulin resistance
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
- High levels of fat in the blood
What are the symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease?
Fatty Liver Disease often does not have any common symptoms. But some reported symptoms include
- Abdominal pain
- General weakness and fatigue
- Liver enlargement
- Dark discoloration of the skin called in the neck or in the underarm region.
How is Fatty Liver Disease Diagnosed?
- Medical history
- Physical exam
- Ultrasound exam
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- Biopsy
Treatment options
- Lifestyle changes including diet and exercise
- Medications
- Bariatric Surgery
- Liver transplantation