What are the risk factors for fatty liver disease?

Doctor's Answers 1

Photo of Dr Wai Leong Quan
Dr Wai Leong Quan

Gastroenterologist

The most common cause of fatty liver is excessive alcohol consumption. In fact, this is the commonest risk factor for fatty liver in many developed countries in the world. In the local setting, diabetes is another reason why one ends up with a fatty liver. The fatty liver is usually picked up incidentally during routine blood tests or ultrasound scan of the liver as part of a screening protocol for patients with diabetes.

Other conditions which are associated with fatty liver include

  • Obesity
  • Hepatitis C infection
  • Medication
  • Genetic factors.

There are also cases with fatty liver without any apparent reason. One interesting point to note is that fatty liver may not necessarily be related to a higher BMI and can occur in slim or thin people.

Besides controlling the underlying causes of fatty liver, simple measures such as regular exercise and weight reduction can help to reverse fatty changes in the liver. Limited data also suggest that drinking coffee daily may help to reduce the effect of fatty liver. So for the coffee lovers out there, do continue to enjoy your coffee.

Similar Questions

When are elevated liver enzymes a cause for concern?

Isolated elevation in ALP level, especially if marginal and transient in nature without any elevation in the other liver enzymes and serum bilirubin level usually does not signify a serious medical problem. Some teenagers and young adults may have marginally elevated ALP levels due to more active bone metabolism. This is considered a normal variant. Drugs and fatty liver can also cause ALP elevation without a concurrently higher GGT level.

Photo of Dr Wai Leong Quan

Answered By

Dr Wai Leong Quan

Gastroenterologist

How should I modify my lifestyle or diet if I have a fatty liver? (photo)

Fatty liver is a very common condition seen in Singapore. Although fatty liver tends to develop in people who drink regularly or who are overweight, it can happen to anyone regardless of body mass. We now know that this seemingly benign condition may result in chronic liver inflammation (NASH) and liver hardening if allowed to progress unchecked. The good news is you can potentially reverse the harm by engaging in regular exercises and controlling your body weight.

Photo of Dr Wai Leong Quan

Answered By

Dr Wai Leong Quan

Gastroenterologist

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