Fatty liver disease occurs when fat builds up in the liver cells and causes injury and inflammation in the liver. It can sometimes lead to severe liver damage, cirrhosis (build-up of scar tissue that blocks proper blood flow in the liver), or even liver failure. Fatty liver disease is like alcoholic liver damage, but it is not caused by alcohol and can occur in people who drink little or no alcohol. You can learn more about fatty liver disease, also known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), from the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/nash.
How is it linked to being overweight?
People who have diabetes or “pre-diabetes” (when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range) are more likely to have fatty liver disease than people without these conditions. People who are overweight are more likely to develop diabetes (see the “Type 2 Diabetes” section above). It is not known why some people who are overweight or diabetic get fatty liver disease and others do not.
What can weight loss do?
Losing weight and being physically active can help you control your blood sugar levels. It can also reduce the build-up of fat in your liver and prevent further injury. People with fatty liver disease should avoid drinking alcohol.