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What causes fatty liver disease?

How the structures involved in Fatty Liver Disease differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Fatty Liver Disease differ from normal

Short answer

Fatty liver disease can be related to alcohol use, obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, or a wider metabolic syndrome.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Often linked with
Alcohol exposure, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome
Possible symptom
Many people notice none; some report tiredness or right-sided discomfort

How fatty liver develops

The liver processes nutrients and stores energy. When the balance between energy intake, storage, and use is disturbed, fat can build up inside liver cells. Alcohol can contribute through the way it is processed in the liver. Metabolic factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, abnormal blood fats, and high blood pressure can occur together and promote fat accumulation. Some people have more than one contributing factor, while others develop fatty liver without an obvious single cause.

Fatty liver may cause no noticeable symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include tiredness or discomfort under the right ribs. Blood tests and imaging may show fat or liver irritation, but they do not always reveal the full reason or degree of liver inflammation.

What to do next

Book a medical review if fatty liver was found on a scan or blood test. Share your alcohol intake, medicines, supplements, weight history, diabetes status, and family history. A clinician can assess related metabolic conditions and discuss practical changes to food, activity, alcohol, and weight that suit your health. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice.

When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent medical help for yellow skin or eyes, vomiting blood, black stools, severe or increasing abdominal swelling, marked confusion, or severe right-sided abdominal pain. Prompt review is needed if blood tests remain abnormal, symptoms progress, or you have several possible contributing conditions.

Questions for your doctor

What factors may be contributing to my fatty liver? Do I need liver blood tests, imaging, or follow-up? Which changes are safest with my diabetes, weight, medicines, and alcohol use?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Can alcohol cause fatty liver disease?

Yes. Alcohol is processed by the liver and can contribute to fat accumulation, especially when exposure is regular or combined with metabolic factors.

Can fatty liver happen without symptoms?

Yes. It is often found during blood tests or imaging performed for another reason, so symptoms alone cannot confirm or exclude it.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.