What is fatty liver?
Fatty liver means that fat is stored in the liver cells in larger amounts than normal. The condition is medically called steatosis and occurs when the liver is no longer able to handle and metabolize fat effectively.
This is a very common condition and is estimated to occur in up to one in four adults. In most cases, fatty liver is linked to metabolic factors such as obesity, insulin resistance and elevated blood lipids, but it can also occur in people without clear risk factors.
In the early stages, fatty liver is often harmless, but if the condition persists, it can lead to inflammation (steatohepatitis), scarring (fibrosis) and, in some cases, liver damage.
How do you know if you have fatty liver?
One of the biggest challenges with fatty liver is that the condition rarely causes clear symptoms. Many people live with fatty liver without knowing it, which means that it is often discovered by chance during health checks or investigations.
Some people may experience diffuse symptoms such as fatigue or discomfort in the upper part of the stomach, but these are non-specific and difficult to connect directly to the liver.
To detect fatty liver, blood tests and imaging are therefore mainly used.
Blood tests - the first step in the investigation
Blood tests can provide an important indication of liver function and whether fatty liver may be present.
ALAT and ASAT are liver values that are often elevated in fatty liver.
GT may also be elevated and provide further information about liver damage.
Metabolic markers are also important:
Triglycerides and Cholesterol can indicate disorders in fat metabolism.
Blood sugar and HbA1c can indicate insulin resistance.
However, it is important to understand that blood tests are not always enough to make a diagnosis, since the values may be normal even though fat is stored in the liver.
MRI is the most accurate method for detecting fatty liver
To confirm and quantify fat deposits in the liver, imaging diagnostics are used. MR liver (MR) is considered the most accurate method.
Unlike simpler methods, MRI analyzes the entire liver tissue and can measure how large a proportion of the liver is made up of fat. This makes it possible to detect even early changes that are not visible on blood tests.
MRI is particularly valuable because fat in the liver is often distributed unevenly, which can make it difficult to obtain an accurate image with other methods.
The examination is non-invasive, painless and provides an objective picture of the condition of the liver, making it suitable for both diagnosis and follow-up.
How do you get fatty liver?
Fatty liver occurs when the liver stores more fat than it can break down or remove.
Common causes include:
Overweight and abdominal obesity
Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
High levels of blood fats
Fast carbohydrates and high sugar consumption
There is also a genetic component that makes some people more prone to developing fatty liver.
What can you do yourself?
The good news is that fatty liver is often reversible, especially in the early stages.
Weight loss: A 5–10% weight loss can significantly reduce the amount of fat in the liver.
Diet: Reducing your intake of sugar and fast carbohydrates is one of the most important measures.
Physical activity: Regular exercise improves insulin resistance and fat metabolism.
Fatty liver is a common but often hidden condition. By combining blood tests and imaging diagnostics, especially MRI, a clear picture of the health of the liver can be obtained and timely action can be taken.