Can fatty liver disease be prevented?

The liver can store excess fat when the body is dealing with insulin resistance, weight-related metabolic strain or regular alcohol exposure. Type 2 diabetes and obesity can increase this strain. Fatty liver may cause no clear symptoms, so feeling well does not always show how the liver is functioning. Blood tests and imaging may be used when a clinician considers liver disease or its risk factors.

Choose meals built around vegetables, fibre-rich foods and appropriate portions, and reduce highly processed foods and sugary drinks. Build regular movement into your week and avoid rapid, unsupervised dieting. If you drink alcohol, discuss a safer plan with a clinician; support is available when cutting down is difficult. Keep appointments for blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checks, and follow care for type 2 diabetes or obesity. Do not take herbal or bodybuilding products without checking their liver safety.

Book an appointment if you have ongoing tiredness, discomfort under the right ribs, abnormal liver tests, or risk factors such as type 2 diabetes or obesity. Get urgent help for yellow skin or eyes, confusion, vomiting blood, black stools, or severe abdominal swelling or pain. A clinician can decide which tests and follow-up are appropriate.

Could my medicines, alcohol use, blood sugar or weight affect my liver? Do I need liver blood tests or imaging? What change should I prioritise first?