Fatty Liver Disease

Common Condition

Excess fat buildup in the liver, often associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Can progress to serious liver damage.

Related specialists:GastroenterologistPhysician

Symptoms

Often no symptoms
Fatigue
Pain or discomfort in upper right abdomen
Enlarged liver
Elevated liver enzymes on blood tests
Abdominal swelling (advanced)
Yellowing of skin (advanced)
Spider-like blood vessels (advanced)
Red palms (advanced)
Mental confusion (advanced)

Causes

1
Obesity
2
Type 2 diabetes
3
High cholesterol
4
High triglycerides
5
Metabolic syndrome
6
Rapid weight loss
7
Certain medications
8
Toxins
9
Malnutrition (rare)
10
Genetic factors

Treatments

Weight loss (most effective)
Healthy diet
Regular exercise
Managing diabetes
Lowering cholesterol
Avoiding alcohol
Avoiding liver-toxic medications
Vitamin E (for some patients)
Clinical trials for new drugs
Liver transplant (end-stage)
When to See a Doctor

Get screened if you have risk factors (obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome). See a doctor for fatigue, abdominal discomfort, or elevated liver enzymes on blood tests.

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About Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty Liver Disease: The Growing Epidemic

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is becoming increasingly common with the obesity epidemic. Lifestyle changes—weight loss, exercise, and healthy diet—are the main treatment.

"Ang matabang atay ay maaaring magaling sa tamang pagkain at ehersisyo."