Common Causes of Fatty Liver Disease and Its Types
Discover the common causes of fatty liver disease, including alcoholic and nonalcoholic types. Learn about risk factors such as obesity, genetics, and pregnancy that contribute to liver fat accumulation, inflammation, and potential complications. This comprehensive overview helps increase awareness and encourages proactive health management.
Understanding the Main Causes of Fatty Liver Disease
The liver's primary role includes breaking down fats, which normally comprise a small percentage of its weight. However, when fat accumulation exceeds 5 to 10% of the liver's weight, it indicates abnormal fat buildup, leading to fatty liver disease. This condition manifests in two forms:
- Alcohol-related fatty liver disease
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
The alcohol-related form results from excessive alcohol intake, whether prolonged or brief periods of heavy drinking. Genetic predispositions can also influence this condition. Additional factors include obesity, excess iron in the body, and Hepatitis C infection.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease stems from disrupted fat metabolism within the liver. The liver manages fat processing and blood fat removal. When it cannot efficiently break down or dispose of fats—either due to overproduction or insufficient removal—fat accumulates. This condition can progress to inflammation and liver cell damage, known as steatohepatitis or NASH. Key causes include:
- Obesity and Diabetes: Excess body fat hampers hormonal and protein regulation, contributes to insulin resistance, and disrupts normal liver fat metabolism, leading to accumulation.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can trigger acute fatty liver, posing risks to both mother and baby, potentially requiring premature delivery and specialized care.
