Fatty liver has long been considered a disease associated with overweight and obesity. However, doctors say that this concept is not entirely accurate, because more and more cases of people without excess weight are still diagnosed with the disease.
According to the American Liver Foundation, fatty liver disease related to metabolic disorders (MASLD) is a condition where fat accumulates in the liver exceeding 5% of liver weight and is not caused by drinking too much alcohol.
MASLD is closely related to factors such as type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, high blood fat, high blood pressure, and unhealthy diet.
Although overweight is a common risk factor, many people with normal weight can still get sick. This condition is called "fatty liver in thin people". Experts believe that the cause may be related to genetic factors, high visceral fat, sedentary lifestyle and diet high in processed foods.
Experts explain that a person who looks thin can still accumulate a lot of fat around the internal organs. This is a type of fat that has a great impact on the liver and metabolism.
Fatty liver disease usually progresses silently, with few obvious manifestations in the early stages. Some people may feel tired, bloated, or uncomfortable in the upper right abdomen, but most are only detected when they have regular health check-ups or abdominal ultrasounds.
If not controlled, MASLD can progress to fatty hepatitis, causing fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure and increasing the risk of liver cancer.
According to the American Liver Foundation, about 25% of the world's population is suffering from MASLD, making it the most common liver disease today.
Doctors recommend that even people who are not overweight should check their liver enzymes, blood fat and blood sugar periodically, especially if they have a family history of metabolic disease.
Maintaining a balanced diet, limiting sugar and processed foods, and exercising regularly are important measures to protect the liver.
