Fatty liver disease is a condition in which fat builds up in the liver cells, and it is a common liver complaint in Western countries. There are two types of fatty liver disease: alcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) . The latter is more common and is linked to obesity, insulin resistance, high blood sugar, and high levels of fats, particularly triglycerides, in the blood. However, experts dont know exactly why some people accumulate fat in the liver while others do not, and there is limited understanding of why some fatty livers develop inflammation that progresses to cirrhosis. Eating excess calories causes fat to build up in the liver, and when the liver does not process and break down fats as it normally should, too much fat will accumulate. For some people, this excess fat acts as a toxin to liver cells, causing liver inflammation and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which may lead to a buildup of scar tissue in the liver.

Risk factors for NAFLD include obesity, high blood fat levels, diabetes or prediabetes, high blood pressure, and metabolic syndrome. However, some people get fatty liver disease without having any pre-existing conditions. Fatty liver disease can happen without causing any symptoms, and it’s usually diagnosed when you have routine blood tests to check your liver. Imaging studies of your liver may show fat deposits, and some imaging tests, including special ultrasound and MRI scans, can help diagnose the disease and spot scar tissue in the liver. The main complication of fatty liver disease is the progression of NASH to cirrhosis, which means permanent scarring and hardening of the liver.

Doctors recommend weight loss to treat NAFLD, which can reduce fat, inflammation, and fibrosis in the liver. Eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight may also help prevent NAFLD[[6]](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-in...