What it is
Fatty liver disease happens when extra fat builds up in the liver. A small amount of fat in the liver is common, but when it accumulates it can sometimes lead to inflammation and changes in how the liver works over time.
Fatty liver disease is often grouped into two broad types: one linked to alcohol use and one not linked to heavy alcohol use. Both are about fat in the liver, and a clinician can help sort out which applies to a particular person. Fatty liver is also different from viral hepatitis, which is an infection of the liver, though both are discussed under the wider heading of liver health.
Fatty liver disease symptoms, when they appear, can include tiredness, a general feeling of being unwell, or a vague fullness or discomfort in the upper right part of the abdomen. Many people notice nothing, and the condition is sometimes found incidentally during routine blood work or imaging done for another reason. These signs are not specific, so they cannot tell you on their own what is happening.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Traditionally, fatty liver disease has been identified through a conversation about health history, a physical exam, and tests a licensed clinician may order, such as blood work or imaging of the liver. In some situations, clinicians may recommend additional evaluation to learn more about the liver.
Approaches have commonly centered on looking at the whole picture of a person's health, including weight, blood sugar, cholesterol, alcohol use, and medications. Lifestyle factors like eating patterns and physical activity have long been part of the discussion, and a clinician decides what, if anything, is appropriate for each individual.
In more advanced situations, where the liver has developed significant scarring (often called cirrhosis), care has typically involved ongoing monitoring by a licensed professional. Because the early stages are often quiet, regular check-ins with a clinician are one way people have traditionally stayed informed about their liver health.
How the right doctor may help
The right doctor, such as a primary care clinician or a liver specialist, may help you make sense of possible fatty liver disease symptoms and decide whether any evaluation is worthwhile. A visit generally starts with questions about your symptoms, your medical history, your medications and supplements, and your habits. It may also include a physical exam and a discussion of whether tests could be useful.
It can help to arrive prepared. You might write down what you have noticed and when, list everything you take, and note any family history of liver problems. Bring up any past blood test or imaging results that mentioned the liver, since those can give a doctor useful context.
Questions you might ask include: What could be causing my symptoms? Which tests, if any, make sense for me? Are my other health conditions or medications relevant to my liver? How often should my liver be checked? Should we talk about screening for viral hepatitis or about vaccination? Your doctor decides what is appropriate after an evaluation, and you can find licensed providers through Providers.plus.
The whole-person view
Body, mind, and stress affect one another, and the liver is part of that larger picture. Long periods of stress, poor sleep, or low mood can influence daily habits like eating, movement, and rest, which are often part of conversations about liver health. Feeling tired or worn down can also come from many sources, not only the liver.
Many people find that caring for the whole person is helpful alongside medical care. Body-based support such as Somatic Experiences may appeal to those who want to work with how stress shows up physically, and talk therapy through Therapists.plus can offer a space to process worry about a health concern. Different approaches suit different people, and each can sit alongside the guidance of your doctor.
Keep in mind
- Fatty liver disease symptoms are often absent or nonspecific, so only a licensed clinician can tell you what is going on after an evaluation.
- Licensed professionals should guide any decisions about testing, monitoring, or care for liver conditions, including fatty liver, viral hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
- If you have severe symptoms such as confusion, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or significant yellowing of the skin or eyes with fever, call 911 right away; this site is not for emergencies.
- If you are in emotional crisis or distress, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common fatty liver disease symptoms?
Many people with fatty liver disease have no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they may include tiredness or a mild discomfort or fullness in the upper right abdomen. Because these signs are general, a licensed clinician is the right person to help figure out the cause.
Can you have fatty liver disease without any symptoms?
Yes, it is common to have fatty liver disease without noticing anything. It is sometimes discovered by chance during blood work or imaging done for another reason. If you are concerned, you can ask a doctor whether an evaluation makes sense for you.
What are the symptoms of advanced fatty liver disease?
When the liver has become significantly scarred, people may sometimes notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, swelling in the legs or belly, or easy bruising. These can have many causes, so they should be discussed with a licensed clinician. Severe symptoms like confusion, vomiting blood, or severe abdominal pain need emergency care, so call 911.
Is fatty liver disease the same as hepatitis?
No, they are not the same thing, although both involve the liver. Fatty liver disease is about fat building up in the liver, while viral hepatitis such as hepatitis A, B, or C is an infection. A doctor can explain the differences and whether screening for viral hepatitis is worth discussing.
What kind of doctor should I see about fatty liver disease symptoms?
A primary care clinician is a common starting point, and they may refer you to a liver specialist if needed. You can look for licensed providers through Providers.plus. Whichever clinician you see decides what is appropriate after an evaluation.
Can fatty liver disease be reversed?
Early fatty liver is often discussed as something that may improve, and clinicians commonly talk with people about overall health habits as part of care. Whether that applies to you depends on your individual situation, so it is best to ask a licensed doctor. No outcome can be promised.
Educational resource. Hep Programs shares general information and connects people with independent doctors. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.