Carrying excess weight is more than just a matter of physical appearance or a wider waistline—it can also affect your internal organs, especially the liver.

One health issue to watch out for is fatty liver disease, a condition affecting millions of people worldwide and often linked to obesity and poor lifestyle habits. So, how does this condition develop? Let’s dive into the explanation below.

What Is Fatty Liver Disease?

Fatty liver disease, or hepatic steatosis, is a condition where fat builds up in liver cells in excessive amounts. Under normal conditions, the liver contains only a small percentage of fat. In people with this disease, fat can make up over 5–10% of the liver's total weight.

This accumulation can result from various causes, including being overweight, having type 2 diabetes, abnormal blood lipid levels (dyslipidemia), and heavy alcohol use. If left unmanaged, the fat buildup can lead to inflammation, permanent liver damage, or even liver cancer.

Why Overweight Individuals Are at Higher Risk

Obesity affects how the body stores and processes fat. Excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen, contributes to insulin resistance, a condition where the body doesn’t respond effectively to insulin. This can lead to elevated blood sugar and fatty acid levels.

When fat storage in the body’s fat tissues becomes overloaded, the excess starts to collect in other organs—especially the liver. The liver ends up storing this fat in the form of triglycerides. Over time, this can increase the risk of inflammation and liver cell damage.

Is Fatty Liver Disease Reversible?

Although there's no specific medication to cure fatty liver disease, it is a condition that can often be reversed or controlled with the right lifestyle changes. Taking steps to live healthier can significantly improve liver function.

Here are several key actions to consider:

Weight loss

Losing your weight by just 7–10% of your original body weight can help decrease fat levels in the liver and support its recovery.

Improve your eating habits

Following a high-fiber eating pattern or switching to a Mediterranean-style diet is strongly recommended. These dietary approaches are effective in reducing fat in the body and the liver.

Staying physically active

Engaging in regular exercise for at least 150 minutes each week at a moderate level of intensity helps burn fat and supports overall health.

Managing existing health conditions

Keeping blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure within normal ranges plays a key role in preventing further liver complications. It’s essential to manage any accompanying medical conditions to avoid worsening fatty liver disease.

Avoid alcohol

Drinking alcohol can make liver damage worse. Even small amounts can speed up the development of inflammation and scar tissue (fibrosis) in a liver already affected by fat buildup.

Being overweight doesn’t just affect how you look, it can also lead to serious illnesses like fatty liver disease. If you suspect you're at risk or are noticing related symptoms, it’s important to speak with a doctor. You can also use the health consultation feature in the Ai Care app, available for download on the App Store and Play Store.

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!