Fatty liver disease, also known as steatotic liver disease, is a serious condition that can cause permanent liver damage if not treated. It is one of the most common liver diseases affecting round 24% of US adults. Here is all about life expectancy with fatty liver disease.
So, what is fatty liver and what kind of symptoms will it cause? How is it treated and what’s the life expectancy with fatty liver disease? More importantly, how can you prevent it? Knowing answers to these questions can help you take care of yourself and your dear ones. Therefore, in today’s article, we will tell you all about FLD, its causes, types, and treatment options.
Fatty Liver Disease: An Overview
The amount of fat present in a healthy and high-functioning liver is very small. If there’s extra fat in the liver and more than 5% of the liver’s weight comprises fat, then physicians term it hepatic steatosis or fatty liver disease.
Fatty Liver Disease Types
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD
- Metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis or MASH
- ALD or alcohol-related fatty liver disease
Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease
MASLD or ALD don’t generally cause symptoms. However, some people experience the following symptoms:
- Swollen abdomen
- Exhaustion
- Pain or discomfort in the ride side of their belly
- Red palms
- Yellowish skin around the eyes (a condition termed jaundice)
- Mental confusion
- Large breasts in men
- Enlargement of blood vessels under the skin
- Significant weight loss
- Nausea
- Reduced appetite
Risk Factors of Fatty Liver Disease
Someone may be more likely to get fatty liver disease if they:
- are malnourished
- are overweight
- have high BP
- have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
- are Asian or Hispanic
- get exposed to certain chemicals or toxins
- have high levels of blood sugar
- have hypothyroidism
Fatty Liver Disease Life Expectancy
Now let’s answer the most important question: What’s the life expectancy with fatty liver disease?
According to a 2023 study, the life expectancy is lower in individuals with NAFLD. The reason behind this is that they have a higher risk of strokes and heart failures for various possible causes. Some common causes include:
- insulin resistance
- chronic inflammation
- changes in the gut microbiota
- increased pressure on the sympathetic nervous system
- glucolipid metabolism impairment (lipids/ fatty substances with carbohydrates are known as glucolipids)
So, someone who has NAFLD has a greater risk of being hospitalized with heart-related complications. Additionally, compared to the general population, patients with both alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are at a greater risk of dying from liver ailments. So, liver cirrhosis risk is also higher in such people.
Fatty Liver Diagnosis
Liver function tests can diagnose if a person has fatty liver disease. Imaging tests like magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography can also reveal if there is excess fat in a person’s liver.
Fatty Liver Treatment
There is no treatment for fatty liver disease. To stop fatty Liver progression and keep NASH complications at bay, doctors recommend management techniques, and the treatment plan differs from one patient to another.
The obvious lifestyle modifications are:
- keeping weight gain in check
- quitting smoking
- staying away from alcohol
- exercising regularly
- limiting the intake of sugar
- cutting down on trans fats and saturated fats and having foods that have unsaturated fat
- having a balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits, whole grains, and vegetables
- managing diabetes
Note: The good thing about the human liver is that it has the ability to repair itself. So, fatty liver disease can completely go away if you make lifestyle alterations.
Can Fatty Liver Disease be Prevented?
To prevent fatty liver disease, one just needs to respect their body. This starts with eating nutrient-rich, plant-based diet and engaging in physical activity. Having alcohol in moderation and not smoking will further boost the health of your liver.
The Bottom Line
So, that was all about liver health management. Lastly, you must remember that liver is one of the essential organs and so, you should always try to keep it in optimal health. If you feel that something is wrong with your liver, you should book an appointment with a hepatologist at the earliest. The sooner fatty liver disease gets identified, the lesser damage it will cause. You can lead a perfectly healthy life by following the lifestyle changes suggested by your healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does fatty liver disease affect life expectancy?
FLD may affect a person’s life expectancy in various ways like increasing the chances of cirrhosis, liver failure, and heart failure. It can also lead to other life-threatening ailments like liver cancer.
Q. Can fatty liver disease be reversed to improve prognosis?
Yes, with discipline, fatty liver disease can be reverse, and a person can lead a perfectly normal life. For that, several steps are to be taken like minimizing alcohol consumption to allow the liver cells to repair themselves.
