I will always remember when my doctor told me I had a “fatty liver.” I knew little about it, but I was convinced my days were numbered, and my mind raced with worst-case scenarios.
In reality, fatty liver disease is a condition that is estimated to affect about 30% of adults in the US, according to the American Liver Foundation – so it’s relatively common. But since most of these people don’t even know they have it, the big questions are: is fatty liver a serious condition? Is it life-threatening?
Fatty liver isn’t always life-threatening. However, there’s always a chance it may progress to a more dangerous condition such as cirrhosis – or even increase the risk of liver cancer – if you don’t take steps to manage it.
Because there’s no guaranteed way of knowing how it might progress, I believe it’s best to treat it seriously from the start. It’s relatively easy to do, with the right lifestyle changes, eating healthier food, and doing some sort of exercising, like cycling.
In other words, even though this is the most common chronic liver condition in the US (and I would guess the world too), it doesn’t mean it should be ignored or left untreated.
In my experience, the biggest risk is ignoring it. Unfortunately, some doctors treat it like a non-issue. Mine did. When I was first diagnosed at 30, my doctor said it couldn’t be reversed.
That felt like a gut punch, but I refused to accept it, fortunately. I changed my diet and got more active and I proved my doctor wrong by reversing my NAFLD. I also wrote a book about my experience – learn more about it here. It’s helping others do the same and reverse their fatty liver disease.
What exactly is fatty liver?
In plain terms, fatty liver means you have more fat than normal stored in your liver – 5% and above, to be exact.
The liver, our second largest organ, is responsible for critical jobs like detoxification, storing nutrients, and helping with digestion. Once excess fat builds up, it can trigger inflammation and, over time, possible scarring.
There are two main types of fatty liver disease:
- Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD): Triggered by heavy alcohol use.
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/MASLD): Caused by things like poor eating patterns, extra calories, and metabolic problems.
Since fatty liver disease usually starts silently without any symptoms, many people discover it by accident through a routine scan or tests for something else. Even blood tests can be normal, but fatty liver disease could still be present.
While it may feel like a mild inconvenience at first, ignoring it can lead to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). That’s when fat in the liver is coupled with inflammation.
In the worst cases, it can lead to tissue scarring (cirrhosis) or even liver failure. Some research suggests 30% of NAFLD patients progress to NASH, and up to 20% of those could end up with advanced cirrhosis.
NAFLD and NASH are expected to be the most common reason for liver transplants in the US.
I don’t say this to scare you, but to emphasize that it shouldn’t be brushed aside. Early action can save a lot of heartache later.
There are three stages of fatty liver disease, depending on the severity of the fat build-up. You can learn more about that in my article here.
Is fatty liver curable?
Yes, fatty liver can be cured (or reversed, as it is called). I am one of the many people who have reversed their conditions and I know many others who manage to do it with a proper lifestyle reset.
However, if it’s allowed to progress to cirrhosis, it becomes far harder to handle. Some people claim to have reversed advanced scarring, but that’s less common. It’s best to address the problem before it reaches that point.
When I was diagnosed with a fatty liver at the age of 30, I was devastated. But I didn’t let stress take over and turned my life around.
Little by little, my follow-up tests showed improvements. After about a year and a half, I received the news I’d been hoping for: no more fatty liver. Reversal is possible, and I’m proof. You can do it too.
Throw away the alcohol in the cupboard, lose weight (in a healthy way), start exercising, and follow a healthy diet.
Other than lifestyle modification, doctors often recommend supplements such as milk thistle, vitamins, and others… they might help, but they alone won’t heal you. You still need to follow a proper diet and exercise.
The Bottom Line
Fatty liver can be a serious issue if ignored. Once it moves toward cirrhosis or more severe complications, it can become life-threatening. Yet, for many, it’s manageable – and even reversible.
It’s not always easy, but seeing normal results on my scans and blood tests made every effort worthwhile. If you’re dealing with a fatty liver, know that you’re not alone and there is a path forward.
If you or your loved one has fatty liver disease, this is your sign to make a 180-degree turn in your life. Follow a healthy lifestyle: exercise, eat a balanced diet, and avoid foods that can worsen it. And you too will become a success story!
I was diagnosed with a fatty liver back in 2014 and managed to reverse it by mid-2015. Since then, I’ve been studying it, continuously updating my knowledge with the latest scientific findings and practical approaches to give others the help they need to reverse their condition.
My approach to managing fatty liver is holistic, balancing scientifically-backed information with real-life, practical advice based on personal, direct experience.
I am also the admin of the Fatty Liver Support Group on Facebook and the Fatty Liver Subreddit.