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Fatty Liver

Fatty liver is where the cells of the liver develop a buildup of fat.  We all have some fat in our livers, but if 5-10% of your liver is fat then fatty liver disease is diagnosed.
While often fatty liver has no symptoms, our liver is responsible for processing and filtering what we eat and drink, and therefore liver health is essential.  Having too much fat in our livers can interrupt the filtering process.

 

What are the Symptoms of Fatty Liver?

If the Liver has begun to be damaged then you may experience;

  • Low appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Pain in the central or upper right stomach
  • Weakness
  • Some confusion or difficulty concentrating
  • Nausea
  • Swelling in the liver region
    Fatty liver is confirmed through a blood test, an ultrasound and finally a liver biopsy.

 

What Causes Fatty Liver?

The most common cause of fatty liver is heavy alcohol consumption.  If alcohol is the cause of the fatty liver then your symptoms may get worse after a session of heavy drinking.
Other causes can be obesity, diabetes, rapid weight loss, other liver diseases and certain medications.  It can also be hereditary.

 

How is Fatty Liver Treated?

The only known treatment for fatty liver is to reduce the risk factors.  This may include;

  • Reducing alcohol consumption
  • Managing cholesterol
  • Losing weight
  • Reducing fat in your diet
  • Reducing sugar in your diet
  • Preventing complications

    Book to see a specialist