Fatty liver disease happens when too much fat builds up in the liver. It’s one of the most common liver problems in the world, affecting millions of people.
While it often doesn’t cause symptoms in its early stages, it can lead to serious health issues if it gets worse. So, what causes fatty liver disease? Let’s take a closer look at the most common factors and what research says about them.
The most well-known cause of fatty liver is drinking too much alcohol. This condition, called alcoholic fatty liver disease, happens because alcohol is toxic to liver cells. When the liver breaks down alcohol, it creates substances that can damage the liver and lead to fat buildup.
Drinking heavily over a long time increases the risk, but even moderate drinking can cause problems for some people. The good news is that cutting back on alcohol can often reverse the damage in the early stages.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is another form of fatty liver that isn’t caused by alcohol. Instead, it’s linked to lifestyle and health conditions.
Obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for NAFLD. When people gain too much weight, especially around their belly, it can lead to fat being stored in the liver. Research shows that about 70% of people with obesity also have fatty liver disease.
Type 2 diabetes is another common cause. High blood sugar and insulin resistance—a condition where the body doesn’t respond properly to insulin—can lead to fat accumulation in the liver.
Studies have found that people with type 2 diabetes are two to three times more likely to develop fatty liver disease than those without it. Even people with prediabetes, where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diabetes, are at risk.
A poor diet is also a key contributor. Eating too much sugar, refined carbs, and unhealthy fats can lead to fat buildup in the liver. Sugary drinks, in particular, have been shown to increase the risk of NAFLD.
On the flip side, diets rich in whole grains, vegetables, and healthy fats like those found in olive oil can help reduce the risk. The Mediterranean diet, for example, has been linked to better liver health in several studies.
Lack of physical activity is another factor. Regular exercise helps the body burn fat and improve insulin sensitivity, which can prevent fat from accumulating in the liver. People who are inactive are more likely to develop fatty liver, even if they’re not overweight.
Genetics can also play a role. Some people inherit genes that make them more likely to store fat in their liver.
This helps explain why some people develop fatty liver even if they’re not overweight or have other risk factors. For example, a gene called PNPLA3 has been linked to a higher risk of NAFLD in some populations.
Certain medications and medical conditions can also cause fatty liver. These include corticosteroids, some cancer treatments, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and sleep apnea. While these are less common causes, they’re important to consider.
In summary, fatty liver disease can be caused by alcohol, obesity, diabetes, poor diet, inactivity, genetics, and certain medical conditions or medications. The good news is that many of these factors can be managed through lifestyle changes.
Losing weight, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reducing alcohol consumption can all help improve liver health and reduce the risk of fatty liver disease. By understanding the causes, people can take steps to protect their liver and improve their overall health.
If you care about liver health, please read studies that refined fiber is link to liver cancer, and the best and worst foods for liver health.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how to boost your liver naturally, and simple ways to detox your liver.
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