Health Corner

What is fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver. It is especially common among people who are overweight or obese, as abdominal fat can directly affect liver health.

Why does obesity easily cause fatty liver?

• Abdominal fat directly affects the liver: Visceral fat around the abdomen releases a large amount of free fatty acids that flow directly to the liver, turning liver cells into “fat storage units.”

• Disrupted blood sugar and lipid levels: Obesity often comes with high blood sugar and high cholesterol, forcing the liver to process excess sugar and fat, leading to overload.

• Inflammatory response: Fat tissue releases harmful substances that trigger chronic inflammation in the liver, accelerating liver damage.

• Vicious cycle: Fatty liver impairs liver function, slows metabolism, and makes weight control even more difficult.

What are the early warning signs of fatty liver?

• Common symptoms: Dull pain in the upper right abdomen, fatigue, and poor appetite.

• Physical signs: Itchy skin, yellowish eyes (mild jaundice), or mild liver swelling.

• Blood test findings: Mild to moderate elevation in liver enzymes.

• Severe warning signs: Abdominal fluid buildup, jaundice, or confusion — symptoms of advanced cirrhosis.

What are the serious consequences of fatty liver?

• Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): Inflammation leads to liver fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis.

• Liver cancer risk: Chronic inflammation increases the risk of liver cancer.

• Cardiovascular complications: Fatty liver often coexists with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease.

• Hong Kong data: Up to 40% of overweight adults have fatty liver, and 10–20% of these cases may progress to serious disease.

How to effectively improve obesity-related fatty liver?

• Weight reduction: Losing 7–10% of body weight can lower liver fat by 30–50%.

• Diet adjustments:

  • Eat a low-fat, low-sugar diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meat, and fish.

  • Include daily sources of Omega-3 (such as salmon and flaxseeds) to protect the liver.

  • Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks like juice or soda.

• Exercise habits:

  • Do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise weekly (e.g., brisk walking, swimming).

  • Add muscle-strengthening exercises 2–3 times per week to boost fat burning.

• Medical monitoring:

  • Have regular liver ultrasounds.

  • In serious cases, medication may be needed to protect liver cells.

How to prevent obesity-related fatty liver?

• Waistline targets: Less than 90 cm for men and 80 cm for women to avoid visceral fat buildup.

• Annual check-up: Overweight adults over 30 should have yearly liver enzyme tests and liver ultrasounds.

• Healthy lifestyle:

  • Walk at least 30 minutes daily; sit less and move more.

  • Maintain a balanced diet and adequate sleep.

  • Manage stress, as high cortisol levels can harm the liver.

Obesity can seriously damage liver health, leading to fatty liver and even cirrhosis. If you feel discomfort in the right abdomen or persistent fatigue, seek medical advice early for proper evaluation. Losing weight in time is key to preventing severe liver complications.