fatty liver

Fatty Liver Disease and Its Impact on Health

Overview:
Fatty liver disease (FLD), also known as hepatic steatosis, is a condition where fat builds up in the liver. It’s increasingly common, especially in people who are overweight, have diabetes, or consume excessive alcohol.

There are two main types:

  1. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Fat accumulates in the liver unrelated to alcohol use.
  2. Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD): Caused by heavy alcohol consumption.

Health Impacts:

1. Liver Inflammation and Damage

  • Fatty deposits can inflame the liver, leading to steatohepatitis:
    • Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
    • Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (ASH)
  • Chronic inflammation may cause scarring (fibrosis), which can progress to cirrhosis, a serious and irreversible condition.

2. Progression to Liver Failure

  • In advanced cases, liver damage may lead to liver failure, requiring a liver transplant.

3. Increased Risk of Liver Cancer

  • FLD, especially NASH, increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer.

4. Cardiovascular Disease

  • NAFLD is closely associated with metabolic syndrome, which includes:
    • Obesity
    • Type 2 diabetes
    • High blood pressure
    • High cholesterol
  • These factors significantly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, making cardiovascular disease the leading cause of death in people with NAFLD.

5. Chronic Fatigue and Weakness

  • Liver dysfunction can affect energy metabolism, leading to persistent fatigue, malaise, and reduced quality of life.

6. Kidney Disease

  • NAFLD is linked to an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), due to systemic inflammation and metabolic dysregulation.

Risk Factors:

  • Obesity
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • High triglycerides
  • Poor diet (high in sugar and saturated fats)
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Heavy alcohol use (in AFLD)

Diagnosis:

  • Blood tests (liver enzymes: ALT, AST)
  • Imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI)
  • FibroScan (measures liver stiffness)
  • Liver biopsy (definitive diagnosis in some cases)

Treatment and Management:

  • Lifestyle Changes:
    • Weight loss (aim for 7–10% body weight reduction)
    • Exercise (150–300 minutes per week)
    • Healthy diet (Mediterranean diet is often recommended)
  • Control Underlying Conditions:
    • Diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol management
  • Limit Alcohol: Especially crucial in AFLD
  • Medications: No FDA-approved drugs for NAFLD/NASH yet, but clinical trials are ongoing

Conclusion:
Fatty liver disease is often silent in early stages but can lead to serious complications if untreated. Early detection and lifestyle modification are key to preventing progression and maintaining long-term health.

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