Research has found that fatty liver may be caused by genetics. However, further research is still needed to confirm whether a singular gene or combination of hereditary factors could be the cause.
Fatty liver disease is caused by a buildup of fat in the liver. There are two types: nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD).
There are several causes of fatty liver disease, and researchers believe genetics may be one of them. However, further research is still needed to determine precisely how genetic factors can contribute to the development of the condition.
NAFLD can affect anyone regardless of race or ethnicity. However, in the United States, it’s more
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Recent research hypothesizes that no singular gene leads to NAFLD but that a combination of gene factors might increase the risk.
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There’s no one cause of NAFL, but your medical history, diet, and gut microbiome might all
- overweight or obesity
- type 2 diabetes
- insulin resistance
- high levels of triglycerides
- low levels of HDL cholesterol
Diets high in fructose, a type of sugar, might also
Often, people with NAFLD do not experience symptoms, although they might experience fatigue and abdominal pain. People whose NAFLD has caused cirrhosis of the liver might have symptoms such as:
- fluid buildup in the abdomen or legs
- hepatic encephalopathy (cognitive decline)
- bleeding
- liver enlargement
A doctor can
- Imaging techniques: They can
try to detect fatty liver using methods such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). - Assessing your medical history: They’ll also ask about your medical history to see if you have any of the risk factors for NAFLD, such as type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
- Physical examination: They might examine you for physical signs of insulin resistance, such as skin color changes, and signs of cirrhosis, like an enlarged spleen or muscle loss.
A doctor might also send for the following tests:
- blood tests, to check for high levels of liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
- elastography, to check for advanced liver fibrosis
- liver biopsy, to confirm NAFLD diagnosis and to assess the severity of the condition
Only a liver biopsy offers a conclusive diagnosis of NAFLD.
Doctors usually recommend weight loss and physical activity to treat NAFLD. According to the
If you have complications from cirrhosis, a doctor might
- medications to lower blood pressure or remove fluid from the body if you have portal hypertension
- medications to lower toxins in the brain if you have hepatic encephalopathy
- antibiotics to treat bacterial infections
Cirrhosis can lead to liver cancer or liver failure. In this case, a doctor might recommend cancer treatment or a liver transplant.
What is the life expectancy of a person with fatty liver disease?
Those with fatty liver disease may have a lower life expectancy of
Does fatty liver go away?
In some cases, eating a nutritious diet and following an exercise regimen can cause fatty liver to slow down or go away.
What does a liver belly look like?
A liver belly can look like a swollen and protruding abdomen. In most cases, weight gain may only accumulate in the midsection, but not the arms or legs.
There are some genes that are linked to the development of fatty liver disease, but further research is still needed to determine if the condition is hereditary.
There are several other factors that can put you at a higher risk for NAFLD, including conditions like metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, or obesity.
If you’re concerned about your symptoms and think you may have fatty liver disease, consider speaking with a doctor. They can provide a diagnosis and, if needed, put together a tailored treatment plan based on your individual needs and medical history.