Fat can accumulate almost anywhere in the body, including the liver. A small amount of fat in the body’s second largest organ is normal, but too much can cause serious health complications. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or steatosis, is a “common condition that occurs in people who are not heavy drinkers.” affect people. Cleveland Clinic state. In some cases, it can cause liver damage, but the good news is that it can be reversed with healthy lifestyle changes and habits.health spoke John AngstadtMD Director of Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery at Staten Island University Hospital, shares what you need to know Adiposity and signs you have it. Read on.To protect your health and that of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You Already Have COVID.
Doctor Angstadt explains:A health concern with liver and fat is the fat deposited within the liver. Medically, this condition is called adiposity. Fatty liver occurs when the fat content of the liver exceeds 5% of the liver weight. Consuming extra calories causes fat to accumulate in the liver. Increased caloric intake can cause adiposity. Sugary drinks and alcohol are cited as common culprits because they add calories to your diet, but they actually have no definite nutritional value. It’s easy to get a lot of calories from
Doctor Angstadt says:Today, most adiposity is weight related. Patients at risk are those with a body mass index greater than 30. Body Mass Index, or BMI, correlates your weight and height and is a common indicator of whether you have excess weight in your body. As your BMI increases, so does your risk of fat deposits in your liver. Adiposity is also seen in patients with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and those taking certain types of medications.”
“As the disease progresses, adiposity poses a significant risk,” says Dr. Angstadt. “In some people, liver fat causes an inflammatory reaction called steatohepatitis. This inflammation can lead to scarring of the liver, a hallmark of cirrhosis. Once scar tissue forms, it cannot be removed or treated, so the best treatment is to avoid progression of the disease.”
According to Dr. Angstadt”Weight loss is the best way to reduce or eliminate liver fat. Diet and exercise can help you lose weight, but if you need to lose significant weight (BMI of 35 or higher), surgical options give better results. If you have diabetes, it is important to manage your disease properly.It’s best to avoid alcohol of any kind if you’ve been told you have fatty liver. Angstadt emphasizes Finding a good program and support network can help. “Staten Island University Hospital has a comprehensive medical and surgical weight loss program that utilizes the latest medical advances to help patients achieve medically safe weight loss and develop life-shortening diseases. It helps reduce risk, so you can live longer and better.”
Doctor Angstadt said:Most people with steatosis have no symptoms, which makes the disease all the more dangerous. Some patients notice the following symptoms:
- pain or bloating in the right upper quadrant above the liver
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- yellowing of the eyes and skin (a more advanced stage)
- Abdominal swelling (a more advanced stage)
Heather Nugen
Heather Newgen has 20 years of reporting and writing experience on health, fitness, entertainment and travel. She Heather currently works freelance for several publications.Read more about Heather