Fatty liver disease is caused by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver when the liver does not properly process and break down fats. This buildup can occur due to several factors:

• Excess calorie intake leading to fat accumulation in the liver.
• Obesity and being overweight , especially abdominal obesity, are major risk factors.
• Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes contribute significantly to fat buildup.
• High levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood.
• Metabolic syndrome , which includes conditions like high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance, often plays a key role.
• Alcohol abuse is a common cause of alcoholic fatty liver disease.
• Other causes include rapid weight loss, malnutrition, certain medications, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and exposure to toxins

There are two main types of fatty liver disease:

• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) , linked mainly to metabolic factors like obesity and diabetes.
• Alcohol-related fatty liver disease , caused by excessive alcohol consumption

The exact mechanism of how fat accumulates in the liver is not fully understood but may involve increased fat absorption from the intestine, fat coming from other parts of the body, or the liver losing its ability to metabolize fat properly

. In summary, fatty liver is primarily caused by metabolic imbalances related to obesity, insulin resistance, and lipid abnormalities, as well as by excessive alcohol intake.