When people hear the words fatty liver, many immediately think of alcohol. But that is not always the reason. You can develop fat accumulation in the liver even if you rarely drink alcohol or do not drink at all.
This condition is now commonly referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). If you have been told that you have fatty liver despite not drinking alcohol, speaking to a gastro physician in Ahmedabad can help identify what may be contributing to it.
What Causes Fatty Liver Without Alcohol?
Fat can build up in the liver when the body is dealing with certain metabolic problems. Some common risk factors include:
- Overweight or obesity: Excess body weight can increase the risk of fat accumulating in the liver.
- Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance: High blood sugar and insulin resistance are closely linked with MASLD.
- High cholesterol or triglycerides: Abnormal blood fat levels can also increase the risk.
- High blood pressure: It is another common part of the group of metabolic risk factors associated with fatty liver.
- An unhealthy diet and low physical activity: A diet high in added sugars and excess calories, along with a sedentary lifestyle, can contribute to the condition.
So, not drinking alcohol does not automatically mean your liver is free from fatty liver disease.
Can Fatty Liver Cause Symptoms?
This is where fatty liver can be tricky. Many people have few or no symptoms in the early stages. Some may experience tiredness or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen, but these symptoms are not always present.
That is why fatty liver may be discovered during a routine health check-up, blood tests, or an imaging scan.
Can Fatty Liver Be Reversed?
The good news is that fatty liver can often improve when the underlying risk factors are addressed. If you are overweight, gradual weight loss, healthier food choices, and regular physical activity can reduce fat in the liver.
At Silver Touch Hospitals, we believe that finding fatty liver early gives you a better opportunity to manage the condition before it progresses. If your reports show fatty liver, a gastro physician in Ahmedabad can assess your liver health and advise whether you need further tests or treatment.
Have questions about your liver health? Book an appointment with Silver Touch Hospitals and speak to our gastroenterology team for the right guidance.