How should fatty liver be treated?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on May 24, 2025
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The first point in treating fatty liver is to stop drinking alcohol, as alcohol has a significant impact on the liver, and there is a type of fatty liver specifically caused by alcohol.

The second point is to maintain a reasonable diet, avoiding foods that are high in fat and calories.

The third point is to persist in exercising. For instance, consistent aerobic exercise such as brisk walking or fast walking, for 30 to 60 minutes a day, about five times a week, can achieve a reasonable fitness effect.

The fourth point is medication. If there is associated liver damage, medication to protect the liver and reduce enzymes is necessary. Additionally, medications that enhance metabolism and lower blood lipids may also be used.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Does fatty liver disease transmit?

Fatty liver is relatively common in clinical practice. It is not an infectious disease and is not contagious. Fatty liver is generally considered to be caused by various reasons leading to fat deposition in the liver. Usually, there are no specific symptoms. Some patients may experience pain, dull pain, or discomfort in the upper right abdomen, along with nausea, etc. Typically, patients discover they have fatty liver during a physical examination or incidental liver function tests and abdominal ultrasound that indicate changes due to fatty liver. The general principle of treatment is symptomatic management. If liver function is abnormal, hepatoprotective treatment can be considered. Of course, if liver function is normal and it's purely fatty liver, the main approach is adjusting dietary and lifestyle habits. It is advised that patients consume high-quality proteins and reduce intake of greasy, fatty, low-fat, and low-sugar foods. Maintaining a good mental state, appropriately reducing weight, and exercising can cure mild fatty liver. If there is severe fatty liver, it is recommended that patients visit a local hospital for treatment.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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The Harm of Fatty Liver

There are many causes of fatty liver disease, and the degree of harm varies according to the different causes. Non-alcoholic fatty liver is closely related to metabolic syndrome and often occurs in diseases such as hyperlipidemia, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and hypertension. It can easily lead to reduced arterial elasticity and increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, or sudden death. Fatty liver can also exacerbate liver damage. Long-term fatty liver may lead to liver fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis. If combined with chronic hepatitis B or chronic hepatitis C, the progression to liver fibrosis may accelerate.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
1min 29sec home-news-image

Can fatty liver be cured?

Fatty liver is relatively common in clinical practice, often seen in obese patients or those who consume alcohol excessively. Fatty liver is also categorized as mild, moderate, or severe in clinical settings. Generally, mild fatty liver does not accompany liver function abnormalities. For such patients, the main approach involves appropriate weight loss, exercise, and dietary control. If there are indeed complications like cirrhosis or more severe liver disease, including abnormal liver functions, systematic diagnosis and treatment are recommended. Besides completing abdominal ultrasound and liver function tests, it is also suggested to conduct quantitative hepatitis B virus tests to eliminate the possibility of hepatitis B virus-induced steatosis. Generally, fatty liver can be treated successfully; however, if it is complicated by cirrhosis, the main principle of treatment is to prevent complications, and complete cure may not be possible. Therefore, regarding fatty liver, there is no need for excessive worry, but standard treatment should be followed. Particularly if the fatty liver is complicated by cirrhosis, active diagnosis and treatment are generally recommended.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Can mild fatty liver heal itself?

Mild fatty liver does not require medication and may return to normal through dietary adjustments or changes in lifestyle habits. For mild fatty liver, the diet should primarily be light and avoid greasy, rich foods, as well as fried or grilled items, and foods high in cholesterol like egg yolks, animal organs, and seafood. Additionally, increasing physical activity can enhance metabolism, which is beneficial for the recovery from fatty liver. Furthermore, it is important to avoid excessive fatigue and staying up late, as both can exacerbate fatty liver. Keeping a relaxed mood and avoiding excessive anxiety or depression is also crucial, as worry and stress can also damage the liver.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What should be noted for mild fatty liver?

People with mild fatty liver also need to pay special attention to their diet. It is important to consume a light diet and avoid high-calorie and high-fat foods such as fatty meats, fried foods, and animal organs; these should be minimized in the diet and replaced with more fruits and vegetables. Additionally, it is recommended to increase physical activity, as exercise can metabolize fats and has a certain therapeutic effect on patients with fatty liver. Simultaneously, alcohol should be avoided, as it can damage liver cells. If a patient with fatty liver frequently consumes alcohol, it can exacerbate the condition and may also lead to elevated liver enzymes.