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What is fatty liver, and can it be reversed?

Answered by the AskDoc Medical Team · Medically reviewed under our Medical Director, MBBS

Fatty liver means fat stored inside liver cells, now the most common liver condition worldwide, driven mostly by weight, insulin resistance and alcohol. It is silent for years and usually found on an ultrasound or blood test done for something else.

The encouraging part: the liver regenerates. Losing 7 to 10 percent of body weight can clear the fat and even reverse early scarring. Cutting alcohol and sugary drinks moves the needle fastest.

It deserves respect, not panic: unmanaged, a minority progress to serious disease. A follow-up plan with your doctor, weight work and repeat tests is the whole game.

Is this your situation right now?

General answers only go so far. A doctor can look at your numbers and history and give you a written answer about you.

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