Fat in the Liver can cause problems
Weighing too much can cause fat to build up in the liver, resulting in a condition called “fatty liver,” More than 70% of overweight people have fatty livers. More most, fatty liver does not seem to cause problems, but fatty liver can set you up for future problems.
In approximately 30% of patients with fatty liver, the fat inflames the liver and scars it, resulting in a disease called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or “NASH.” NASH resembles an alcoholic liver disease, but it develops in people who drink little or no alcohol. With NASH, the liver has difficulty performing normally. When scarring is severe, a life-threatening problem called cirrhosis can occur. If you have other types of liver disease, fatty liver can make things worst.
How Do You Know If You Have NASH?
NASH is usually a silent disease. You may not have any symptoms until NASH becomes very severe or you have usual responses to medications, alcohol, or diseases. Common blood tests might make your health care team suspect fatty liver or NASH. If your doctor cannot find other causes of liver problems, he or she may want to do a liver biopsy. A liver biopsy uses a needle to remove a tiny sample of liver tissue. Liver biopsy is the only way to be certain that you have NASH.
Causes of NASH:
Scientists are uncertain why some people develop NASH. Many people with NASH develop problems when they:
- Are middle-aged
- Are overweight or obese
- Have higher levels of cholesterols and other fats in their blood
- Have diabetes or pre-diabetes
Managing NASH
No Specific medical treatments for NASH have been found but leading a healthy lifestyle can help. Here are some tips:
- Manage your weight. Fatty liver and NASH can improve if you lose weight. Consider participating in a weight loss management program.
- Follow a balanced and healthy diet.
- Increase your physical activity and make it a regular part of your day.
- Avoid drinking alcohol because alcohol can further damage a fatty liver. If you have trouble stopping or cutting back on alcohol, let your health care team know.
- Avoid taking unnecessary medications.
- Many medications, even those that are usually safe for others, may strain the liver.
- Make sure your health care team knows what medications, vitamins, dietary supplements, and over-the-counter medications you are taking. Your health care team will monitor them carefully.
- Consult your provider before starting or stopping medications.
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