Fatty Liver: The Silent Disease That’s More Common Than You Think

Fatty liver, also called hepatic steatosis, occurs when fat builds up in your liver. While some fat in the liver is normal but too much fat in the liver causes liver inflammation and even long-term liver damage.

Fatty liver disease doesn’t usually hurt. It doesn’t come with dramatic symptoms. It doesn’t even show up in standard blood tests in many cases. But beneath the silence, your liver may be slowly getting inflamed, scarred, and heading toward failure.

This silent epidemic—driven by obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and sedentary lifestyles—is now the leading cause of chronic liver disease in Asia and rapidly becoming a top reason for liver transplantation worldwide.

And yes, even people who are not obese can get it.

That’s why understanding the early signs of fatty liver and treatment options for fatty liver is so important.

What Is Fatty Liver?

Fatty liver is a condition where excess fat accumulates in liver cells. It’s commonly classified into two types:

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – Common in people who consume less or no alcohol. Now in current nomenclature it is referred to as Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD)

• Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) – caused by heavy alcohol consumption.

If left untreated, fatty liver can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even liver failure.

Liver failure may require a liver transplant.   

What Is Fatty Liver, and Why Should You Care?

Fatty liver disease (also known as MAFLD or NAFLD) occurs when excess fat builds up inside liver cells. Over time, this buildup can trigger inflammation and damage, progressing through the following dangerous stages:

1.     Simple Fatty Liver (Steatosis)

2.     NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis) – inflammation and early scarring

3.     Fibrosis – moderate to severe scarring

4.     Cirrhosis – permanent liver damage

5.     Liver Cancer or Liver Failure

Once the liver hits fibrosis stage F2 or above, the risk of death rises dramatically.

Common Causes of Fatty Liver Disease 

Several factors can contribute to fatty liver development:

• Obesity and being overweight

• Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance

• High cholesterol and triglyceride levels

• Unhealthy diet (high in sugar, refined carbs, or processed foods)

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Excess alcohol intake (in AFLD)

• Rapid weight loss 

• Alcohol Consumption

• Genetics

Signs and Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease 

Fatty liver disease is often called a “silent disease” because symptoms usually appear in later stages. However, some people may notice signs such as:

1. Fatigue and Weakness

2. Pain or Discomfort in the Upper Right Abdomen

3. Unexplained Weight Loss or Weight Gain

Signs That You May Have More Severe Fatty Liver Disease Include:  

4. Abdominal Bloatedness (due to water accumulation)

5. Jaundice (Yellowing of the Skin or Eyes)

6. Brain Fog or Confusion

7. Dark Urine

8. Pale Stools

Most are late signs

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

If you’re experiencing signs of severe fatty liver disease, it’s important to act quickly:

See a doctor immediately: Schedule a visit with your primary care provider or a Gastroenterologist (liver specialist).

Consider consulting a liver specialist in Singapore at ALPS Clinic, a medical centre specializing in liver conditions and fatty liver treatment in Singapore.

How Is Fatty Liver Diagnosed?

Common fatty liver tests:

• Blood tests: Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST) may suggest liver inflammation.

• Ultrasound: A non-invasive way to detect fat buildup in the liver.

• Fibroscan and MRI liver

• Liver biopsy: The most accurate test, usually reserved for suspected advanced disease.

Effective Treatment for Fatty Liver Disease

1. Focus on Lifestyle Changes (First Line of Treatment)

The most effective way to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) begins with simple lifestyle adjustments:

• Weight Loss: Losing just 3–5% of your body weight can reduce liver fat. Greater weight loss (7–10%) may even reverse liver inflammation and fibrosis.

• Healthy Eating Habits: Switch to a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive carbohydrates.

• Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity (like brisk walking or cycling) on most days of the week to help burn fat and improve liver function.

2. Managing Associated Health Conditions

Many people with fatty liver also suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Managing these health issues is essential:

• Keep blood sugar and cholesterol levels under control through diet, exercise, and medications if prescribed.

• Regular health checkups help monitor liver health and prevent disease progression.

• Work closely with your doctor for a fatty liver treatment plan.

3. Surgical Treatment Options for Fatty Liver

Bariatric Surgery (Weight Loss Surgery)

In patients with severe obesity and fatty liver disease, bariatric surgery may be recommended when lifestyle changes alone aren't enough. This procedure promotes sustained weight loss, which can lead to significant improvement or even resolution of NAFLD and related complications.

Liver Transplant (Rare Cases)

In very rare instances, where fatty liver disease progresses to end-stage liver failure or cirrhosis, a liver transplant may become necessary. This is typically considered only after all other treatment options have failed.

Care at ALPS Clinic

Fatty liver disease often develops silently but can lead to serious health problems if ignored.

By recognizing the signs of fatty liver early, you can take control of your health.

With the help of the right guidance, support, and care, it’s possible to prevent, manage, or even reverse fatty liver disease. 

If you suspect any fatty liver symptoms, don’t wait. Talk to an experienced liver doctor in Singapore for effective liver treatment.  

We offer hope and a new life to patients dealing with fatty liver disease, Liver cancer  and even end-stage liver disease as an experienced liver surgeon in Singapore.

Take the first step toward a healthier liver with us.