Fatty Liver Disease — What You Need to Know

Fatty liver disease is now the most common liver disorder globally, affecting nearly 30% of the population. With declining cases of hepatitis B and C, fatty liver is fast becoming the leading cause of liver failure, liver transplant, and even primary liver cancer. This silent epidemic poses a serious public health burden.

Can Fatty Liver Be Prevented or Treated?

Yes — but early detection and proper management are essential.

In the past, a diagnosis of fatty liver on ultrasound was often ignored. Today, with increasing awareness, both patients and doctors recognize its potential severity. However, ultrasound grading and liver enzymes like SGPT (ALT) are not reliable indicators of disease stage. A thorough evaluation, including elastography, is necessary to assess liver damage.

Additionally, individuals diagnosed with fatty liver must be screened for diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, obesity, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and heart disease — all of which can contribute to disease progression.

Steps to Manage Fatty Liver Disease:

  • Exercise
    Engage in at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, combining cardio and strength training. It helps reduce liver fat and build lean muscle.
  • Diet Control
    Follow a hypocaloric diet focused on healthy, sustainable eating. Mediterranean or keto diets show some benefit. Avoid fructose-rich foods, and steer clear of extreme diets or prolonged fasting.
  • Weight Loss
    A 10% reduction in body weight can significantly improve liver health and even reverse early-stage fibrosis caused by fatty liver.
  • Medications
    Avoid over-the-counter liver tonics and detox products — they offer no proven benefit and may delay real treatment. Certain medications like Vitamin E, Pioglitazone, Saroglitazar, GLP-1 RA, and SGLT2 inhibitors are backed by research and included in international guidelines. Treatment must be tailored based on your liver stage and associated conditions — always consult your specialist.
  • Obesity Treatment
    If your BMI is over 35, endoscopic or surgical options such as bariatric procedures may be recommended to manage obesity and improve fatty liver.

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