What is fatty liver (NAFLD)?

Fatty liver in your reports

It's often first spotted in one of two ways:

• on an abdominal ultrasound, which may read 'fatty liver' with a grade
• from raised liver enzymes such as SGPT (ALT) on a liver function test

Labs set their own enzyme ranges.

Why fatty liver matters

Fatty liver is now the most common long-term liver disease.

It is closely tied to:

• excess weight
• prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
• high triglycerides or cholesterol
• high blood pressure

It usually causes few or no symptoms, sometimes just tiredness or discomfort under the right ribs.

In some people it moves on to inflammation (called MASH, earlier NASH), then scarring, and can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer, so catching it early matters.

What helps with fatty liver

Losing weight, if you're carrying extra, is usually the first step and can reduce fat, inflammation and scarring in the liver.

Eat plenty of:

• vegetables and fruit
• dal
• whole grains

Cut down on:

• sugar, sweets and sugary drinks
• salty packaged snacks

Keep fried food occasional, and exercise regularly. Avoid alcohol, and check with your doctor before using herbal remedies or supplements, since some can harm the liver.

Aim for steady weight loss, as very fast weight loss is itself a risk.