Fatty liver disease, known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD, is a condition that results from fat build-up in the liver. MASLD used to be called nonalcoholic liver disease (NAFLD). If the liver has fat build-up and is also inflamed, this condition is called metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis, or MASH. Fatty liver disease is the most common form of chronic liver disease.
The exact reason why fat accumulates in the liver is not completely known; however, fatty liver occurs more often in certain conditions:
- Excess body weight
- High cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Fatty liver disease can also be caused by consuming too much alcohol.
Fatty liver disease can cause inflammation in the liver and lead to liver scarring (called fibrosis) and cirrhosis (severe liver scarring), and liver failure. Although many people with fatty liver disease do not have any symptoms, there are some signs of fatty liver:
- Upper right-side abdominal discomfort over the site of the liver
- An enlarged liver
- Elevated liver enzymes on a blood test
- Jaundice (skin and eyes turning yellow)
Fatty liver is diagnosed by a combination of tests including medical history, physical exam, blood tests, and imaging tests such as Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI scans. Occasionally a liver biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Proper care and treatment can prevent further liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. Treatment includes managing diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and weight loss if overweight. Your doctor may prescribe newer medications that can reduce the inflammation in the liver and assist with weight loss. Don't drink alcohol and check with your doctor before beginning any new medications, herbal or other supplements--some of these can cause liver damage.