What to know about nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

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The liver removes toxins from the body. If it does not work correctly, various issues can arise.

If the body produces too much fat or does not metabolize fat correctly, it can accumulate in the liver. This is often referred to as having a “fatty liver.” If fat continues to accumulate, inflammation can result. Eventually, it can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.

NAFLD

A doctor may diagnose fatty liver, or NAFLD, if more than 5–10% of the liver weight is fat. This is not healthy, but it does not necessarily cause symptoms or have a severe impact at this stage. For most people, this condition does not progress further.

Many people with fatty liver do not know that they have it. They may find out during routine tests for another condition or if a doctor recommends testing due to risk factors.

About 24% of adults and 10% of children in the U.S. have NAFLD, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

NASH

If fat continues to build up, inflammation can occur in the liver, leading to NASH. This affects around 1.5% to 6.5% of adults in the U.S.

Symptoms may include:

• itchiness
• abdominal swelling
• yellowing of the skin and eyes, known as jaundice
• easy bruising and bleeding
• spider-like veins visible just under the skin
• slurred speech and confusion
• behavioral changes

Cirrhosis and liver failure

In time, 10–25% of people with NASH develop scarring, known as cirrhosis, and liver failure.

Symptoms of cirrhosis include:

• tiredness and weakness
• nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• red patches on the palms of the hands
• spider-like veins under the skin above the waist
• pale or dark, tarry stools
• dark urine
• itching
• jaundice
• abdominal swelling and pain, due to a buildup of fluid
• swelling of the ankles, feet, and legs
• easy bleeding and bruising
• changes to menstruation
• enlarged breasts in males
• swelling of the scrotum
• loss of sexual desire
• confusion, difficulty focusing, memory loss, and hallucinations
• personality changes

In severe cases, a person may need a liver transplant.

There is no medical treatment for a fatty liver, but various strategies can reduce the risk of liver problems and may reverse some damage that already exists.

The American Liver Foundation recommends:

• weight loss, if appropriate
• eating plenty of whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables
• choosing healthy oils, such as olive, soybean, safflower, or other vegetable oils
• limiting the intake of red meat and saturated fats
• avoiding foods containing added salt
• limiting the intake of sugar, including sodas and sweetened juices
• exercising for at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week
• avoiding alcohol

Other ways to help protect the liver include:

• following the doctor’s instructions when taking medications
• seeking medical advice before using vitamins, supplements, or herbal remedies
• having vaccinations for hepatitis A and B

The authors of a 2019 study investigating whether dietary changes can benefit people with NAFLD suggest consuming prebiotic fiber — found in leeks, asparagus, and other plant foods — and probiotic-enriched yogurt to help manage the intake of calories and boost the health of the gut microbiota.

They also recommend opting for plant-based protein rather than animal-based protein.

Scientists are looking at whether vitamin E may help, but more research is needed.

A tailored diet and exercise plan may also reduce the risk of various conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, that often occur alongside NAFLD.

Doctors do not know exactly how or why NAFLD develops. It appears to happen when the body produces an excess of fat or cannot process fat properly.

There are some risk factors, which include:

• obesity
• type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and other features of metabolic syndrome
• any health condition that affects the body’s ability to use or store fat
• rapid weight loss or malnutrition
• some medications, including corticosteroids, estrogens, some HIV drugs, and some cancer drugs
• genetic factors
• smoking
• exposure to some toxins

Since early stage NAFLD does not usually produce symptoms, the diagnosis often follows a routine check or a test due to risk factors.

If a doctor suspects NAFLD, they will:

• check the abdominal area for swelling
• ask about the person’s diet, lifestyle, and alcohol consumption
• consider the person’s use of medications and supplements
• recommend imaging and other tests to rule out other possible health conditions
• do a biopsy to confirm NAFLD and assess the extent of any damage

Many people with fatty liver do not experience symptoms. However, up to 10% of people with NAFLD will develop cirrhosis.

A person with cirrhosis may need a liver transplant. Cirrhosis is the third most common cause of death in the U.S. after cardiovascular disease and cancer. People with NAFLD and NASH may also have a higher risk of developing liver cancer.

NAFLD happens when an excess of fat builds up in the liver. There are often no symptoms, but it can lead to more severe health issues.

There is no medical treatment for NAFLD, also known as fatty liver, but weight management, changes to the diet, and regular exercise can help prevent and manage it.