Many people discover fatty liver during an ultrasound and assume that it is harmless. For some it remains mild, but others may develop liver inflammation or fibrosis over time.
Risk is higher in people with type 2 diabetes, excess weight, abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, abnormal cholesterol, insulin resistance, or metabolic syndrome.
Normal liver enzymes do not tell the whole story
A normal SGPT or ALT result does not, by itself, exclude fatty liver or fibrosis. Assessment may include medical history, alcohol intake, medicines, blood tests, ultrasound findings, and a non-invasive fibrosis score such as FIB-4. Some patients may need elastography or further specialist evaluation.
What helps
Management depends on the individual, but often includes:
- gradual, sustainable weight reduction when appropriate;
- regular physical activity;
- better diabetes, blood-pressure, and lipid control;
- reviewing alcohol intake and medicines; and
- follow-up according to fibrosis risk.
Do not start supplements or “liver detox” products without discussing them with a clinician.
Further reading: NIDDK guidance on fatty-liver diagnosis and fibrosis assessment.
This article is for health education and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Symptoms, test results, medicines, and treatment decisions should be discussed with a qualified clinician.