Fatty Liver Disease or Non-Alcohol-related Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is the accumulation of fat in the liver (Gastroenterological Society of Australia [GESA] 2019). It is normal for the liver to contain some fat, but when this accumulates to greater than 10% of the weight of the liver, it is classified as fatty liver, which may cause no damage but in many cases can lead to inflammation of the liver
Most common causes:
- Obesity (approx. 20% of those considered obese have fatty liver disease)
- High blood cholesterol and triglycerides
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Less common causes:
- Underactive thyroid
- Certain drugs
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Complications late in pregnancy
Fatty Liver is diagnosed through a routine blood test, followed by an ultrasound of the liver to check for fat. A liver biopsy may be suggested but is rarely necessary – it is used to determine the degree of fat accumulation, inflammation, and scarring of the liver. Download Fatty Liver Disease guide
Stages of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
NAFLD is caused by excess fat in the liver and as the name suggests is not caused by alcohol consumption. It is a common disorder which affects up to a quarter of the Australian population. It begins with simple steatosis, which is a build-up of excess fat in the liver that is not causing inflammation. (GESA 2019).
Non-alcoholic steato-hepatitis (NASH)
Once NAFLD progresses into the inflammation stage, it becomes a chronic disease in which accumulated fat in liver cells cause inflammation. NASH may gradually progress to scarring of the liver. NASH typically occurs in people who are overweight or diabetic, have high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. More
Management of NAFLD
It is possible to prevent the development of fatty liver disease, and in some cases, reverse the damage that has occurred.
- If you are overweight, begin a weight management plan to safely and slowly work toward a healthy weight range for you as an individual
- Regular exercise – at least 5 times a week, including a mix of cardio and strength training with the guidance of a trained health professional
- Maintain a nutritious, well-balanced, healthy diet that is low in fat and calories, and high in fibre. Seek advice from a doctor or a nutritionist to tailor an individual meal plan
- Follow advice regarding medications – stick to recommended dosage and intervals, and do not take any drugs that have not been prescribed by your doctor
- Avoid or minimise alcohol consumption.