Fatty Liver Isn’t Just for Drinkers - Are You at Risk?

When most people hear the term "fatty liver," they automatically think of heavy alcohol use. But here’s the surprising truth: you don’t have to drink a drop of alcohol to develop it. In fact, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now one of the most common liver conditions in the world, and it’s affecting people of all ages and lifestyles, including those who consider themselves healthy.

NAFLD occurs when too much fat builds up in liver cells, not due to alcohol but due to other metabolic factors. It’s often linked to obesity, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. However, even individuals with a normal body weight can develop NAFLD, a condition known as “lean fatty liver.” This makes the disease tricky, because it often hides behind seemingly healthy numbers and habits.

Specialists in liver and digestive disorders, such as Dr. Fernandes Mark Lee, play a crucial role in identifying and managing NAFLD before it becomes severe. Dr. Mark Lee has clinic expertise in NAFLD, liver cirrhosis, and hepatitis B, and C, weight management, and more areas.

What makes NAFLD particularly dangerous is that it can silently progress over time. While the early stages may cause little to no discomfort, continued fat accumulation can lead to inflammation, a condition known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). From there, the liver may begin to scar, a process called fibrosis, and in more advanced stages, it can progress to cirrhosis or even liver cancer.

So, are you at risk?

You might be if you have one or more of the following:

•  Overweight or obesity, particularly with fat concentrated around the abdomen

•  Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes

•  High blood pressure or high cholesterol

•  Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women

•  A sedentary lifestyle with limited physical activity

•  Family history of liver disease

But the risk isn’t limited to those with obvious metabolic issues. Younger adults and individuals with a healthy weight can also develop fatty liver, often due to factors like diet, genetics, or subtle metabolic imbalances. This highlights the importance of early screening and lifestyle assessment, even for those who may not appear to be at high risk.

Healthcare professionals like Dr. Fernandes Mark Lee, who specialise in liver disorders, advocate for greater awareness around NAFLD in all demographics. Through proactive evaluation and education, patients can better understand their individual risk factors and take steps toward early intervention.

What can you do?

The good news is that NAFLD is highly manageable, and even reversible, in its early stages. The cornerstone of treatment is lifestyle modification:

•  Lose weight gradually (even 5–10% of body weight can improve liver health)

•  Adopt a liver-friendly diet - think Mediterranean: high in vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats

•  Exercise regularly - aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week

•  Avoid unnecessary medications or supplements that may burden the liver

•  Monitor blood sugar and cholesterol levels if you’re at risk

Most importantly, don’t assume you’re immune because you don’t drink alcohol. NAFLD doesn’t discriminate, and by the time symptoms show, significant damage may have already occurred. If you have any risk factors, or just want to know your liver is functioning as it should, speak with a healthcare professional.

Early detection through blood tests and imaging can make a world of difference. As with many liver conditions, the earlier you act, the better your chances of preventing long-term complications.