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Fatty liver disease is when too much fat builds up in your liver. It is now often called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and was previously called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is thought to affect up to 1 in 5 people in the UK.
Fat in the liver caused mainly by alcohol is called alcohol-related liver disease.
Stages
- simple fatty liver, which is usually harmless
- inflammation of the liver (steatohepatitis)
- fibrosis, scarring of the liver
- cirrhosis, severe scarring, which can lead to liver failure or liver cancer
Most people never go beyond the early stages.
Symptoms
Usually none in the early stages. Later, people may notice tiredness, or a dull ache on the right side of the tummy. Cirrhosis can cause yellow skin and eyes, swelling and itching.
Who is at risk?
- being overweight, especially around the waist
- type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance
- high blood pressure and high cholesterol
- being over 50, and smoking
Getting diagnosed
It is often found by chance on blood tests or an ultrasound scan. Your GP may use a score called FIB-4, or a blood test called ELF, to check for scarring. You may be referred for a FibroScan, a quick, painless scan that measures liver stiffness.
Read about treatment for fatty liver disease.
Common questions
Why has the name changed?
Experts now call it metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), because it is closely linked to weight, blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, and to avoid focusing on alcohol. You may see either name.
Can fatty liver disease be reversed?
Yes, in the early stages. Losing weight, being active and eating healthily can reduce fat in the liver and even reverse some scarring.
Sources we used
- NHS, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- British Liver Trust, Fatty liver disease
- NICE guideline NG49, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
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