By Dr. Akhil Deshmukh. Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplant, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru.
Fatty liver disease, which used to be rare, has become alarmingly prevalent, particularly in India, where sedentary living and diets high in carbohydrates are routine. However, even as awareness grows, there remain a few myths surrounding the condition that obscure facts. From thinking only alcohol leads to it to thinking it’s a benign disease, misinformation tends to push diagnosis and treatment back.
Here’s what you should know and unlearn about fatty liver disease:
Myth 1: Only Alcoholics Get Fatty Liver Disease
Fact.
While excessive alcohol consumption can lead to Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD), the more common culprit today is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). NAFLD affects people who don’t consume alcohol or drink at least. It is closely linked to obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, and high cholesterol—conditions that are increasingly prevalent across age groups in India.
Myth 2: Fatty Liver Is Always Caused by Eating Fat
Fact:
Ironically, it’s not fat, but refined carbohydrates and added sugars, especially fructose, that play a major role in liver fat accumulation. Foods like white rice, maida-based snacks, sugary drinks, and processed foods can overload the liver with glucose, which then gets converted into fat.
Myth 3: Fatty Liver Is Harmless
Fact:
In its early stages, fatty liver may be reversible. But if ignored, it can progress to Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), where the liver becomes inflamed. Over time, this inflammation can cause scarring (fibrosis), cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. NAFLD is now one of the leading causes of liver transplants globally.
Myth 4: You’ll Have Symptoms If You Have a Fatty Liver
Fact:
Fatty liver is often called a “silent” condition because most people don’t experience noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Some might feel fatigue, discomfort in the upper right abdomen, or mild indigestion, but many remain asymptomatic. Regular health check-ups and liver function tests (LFTs) are the only reliable ways to detect it early.
Myth 5: Only Overweight People Get Fatty Liver
Fact:
While obesity is a key risk factor, thin individuals aren’t immune. Lean NAFLD is increasingly being seen in South Asians, where genetics and lifestyle still contribute to poor liver health, even in people with normal body weight. It’s the body’s metabolic profile that matters more than just appearance.
Myth 6: You Can’t Reverse a Fatty Liver
Fact:
The good news is that fatty liver, especially in its early stages, can often be reversed through lifestyle changes. These include a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables, increased physical activity, weight loss (5–10% of body weight), and managing blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Myth 7: Medicines Are Always Needed for Treatment
Fact:
There’s no “one-pill cure” for NAFLD. Most hepatologists recommend non-pharmacological interventions first, focusing on diet, exercise, and weight management. While some patients with advanced disease may require specific medications, lifestyle modification remains the cornerstone of treatment and prevention.
In Conclusion
Fatty liver disease is more common and more serious than most people realise. But it’s also largely preventable and manageable when caught early. Breaking away from these myths and seeking timely medical advice can make all the difference. If you have risk factors like obesity, diabetes, or a family history of liver disease, talk to your doctor and don’t ignore routine liver health screening.
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