As many as one in five adults are affected by fatty liver disease in the UK, with one in 40 already having developed liver scarring due to the health condition, according to the British Liver Trust.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the term for a range of conditions caused by fat build-up in a person's liver. The disease is usually see in those who are overweight or obese, with high levels of fat in the liver associated with an increased risk of various other serious health conditions - such as diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease.
Fatty liver disease occurs when fat builds up in the cells of the liver. In the early stages, the disease often does not cause harm, but the condition can lead to serious liver damage such as fibrosis (scarring of the liver) and, in severe cases, cirrhosis in the liver, which is irreversible, if left untreated.
Fortunately, fatty liver disease can be managed if diagnosed in the early stages. The health condition can be managed by lifestyle changes to stop it getting worse, reducing the amount of fat in your liver.
Unlike other liver conditions, fatty liver disease is not directly linked with alcohol intake and is instead primarily related to obesity.
Cases of the condition have been increasing as obesity levels in Scotland and across the UK increase.
As early detection can help sufferers make lifestyle changes to limit damage, being aware of the symptoms and what can be done to reduce risk is important.
What are the symptoms of fatty liver disease?
According to the NHS, symptoms of fatty liver disease include:
- a dull or aching pain in the top right of the tummy (over the lower right side of the ribs)
- extreme tiredness
- unexplained weight loss
- weakness
Those experiencing the most advanced stage, cirrhosis, may get more severe symptoms.
This includes yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice), itchy skin, and swelling in the legs, ankles, feet and tummy (oedema).
You should contract your GP urgently or call 111 if you experience any of the symptoms listed above and have a liver condition.
Things you can do to help your health if you have fatty liver disease
Adopting a health lifestyle is the main way to help manage the condition, according to the NHS.
For example, you can try to do things such as:
- loosing weight - you should aim for a BMI (body mass index) of 18.5 to 24.9. Loosing more than 10 per cent of body weight, if you are overweight, can remove some fat from the liver and improve symptoms of fatty liver disease
- sticking to a healthy diet - try to eat a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, protein and carbs, containing foods low in fat, sugar and salt
- substitute sugary drinks for water
- exercise regularly - aim for 150 minute or more of moderate to intense activity, such as walking or cycling, per week
- stop smoking - giving up smoking can help reduce risk of various health issues, including heart attacks and strokes
- limiting alcohol consumption - NAFLD is not cause by alcohol but drinking can make it worse
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