“How serious is fatty liver disease?”
I am a 40 year old male. I want to know how serious is fatty liver disease?
6 Answers
Fatty liver can lead to a serious liver damage. It can lead to Liver Cirrhosis According to the American Liver Foundation, there is no medical treatment, at present, for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Weight loss is helpful. Thank you.
Fatty liver disease, may lower life expectancy, but generally is not fatal- you need to be seen by a gastroenterologist to confirm the amount of involvement with the liver, and have your liver enzymes drawn periodically
Lab work to rule out other causes such as diabetes, alcohol intake , liver disease or abnormal lipid profile can cause it, biopsy may also help to diagnose the cause.
Fatty livers are not good. The etiology behind it will tell you how bad a problem you have.
RB Thomas, MD
RB Thomas, MD
Fatty liver can lead to end-stage liver disease, also known commonly as liver cirrhosis, and therefore prevention and/or aggressive lifestyle interventions are very important.
Fatty liver can be serious because some people will progress to NASH and cirrhosis, though this typically takes decades to happen. Higher risk is seen in people who have diabetes and also drink alcohol. Assessment of fatty liver should be done by a GI doctor or hepatologist. Weight loss, control of diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol are all important to try to prevent progression.
