Is fatty liver contagious?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on July 01, 2025
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Fatty liver is not contagious.

Under normal circumstances, the fat content in liver cells is generally below 5%. If it exceeds 5%, it is called fatty liver, which can be definitively diagnosed through an abdominal ultrasound. Fatty liver itself is not contagious; it simply reflects an increase in fat content within the liver cells compared to the normal level.

The primary cause of fatty liver is due to excessive calorie intake, which is not metabolized and consumed, leading to excess fat being stored in the liver cells, thus causing fatty liver. Patients with fatty liver should adhere to a light diet, avoid overly greasy and high-fat foods, and exercise more.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
48sec home-news-image

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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How to treat severe fatty liver?

The treatment of severe fatty liver is not significantly different from that of mild to moderate fatty liver in terms of medication. The main aspects of treating severe fatty liver include: Firstly, general treatment, which encompasses a healthy diet, appropriate exercise, weight control, and avoiding liver damage. Secondly, medication treatment: Due to large individual differences, there is no absolute, best, quickest, or most effective medication. Apart from using common over-the-counter drugs, it is important to select the appropriate medication based on individual circumstances. Additionally, surgical treatment options are available. For patients with severe obesity and type 2 diabetes, or for those with moderate cases but ineffective control of blood sugar through conservative treatment, weight loss surgery can be considered. Furthermore, combining treatment with traditional Chinese medicine and herbs can also yield excellent results for severe fatty liver.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What should I do if I have mild fatty liver?

Mild fatty liver primarily requires dietary adjustments. It is necessary to quit smoking and drinking, and avoid high-calorie, high-fat foods such as greasy, rich dishes, fried foods, and animal organs. It is beneficial to consume light, easily digestible foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Secondly, increasing physical activity is important because exercise can metabolize fats, which positively impacts patients with mild fatty liver. Thirdly, control of blood lipids is crucial. If hyperlipidemia occurs, it should be treated with medication to lower blood lipids. Fourthly, maintain a regular routine and avoid excessive fatigue or staying up late.

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Written by Ye Xi Yong
Infectious Diseases
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How to treat hepatitis B coexisting with fatty liver?

The coexistence of hepatitis B and fatty liver can exacerbate liver damage and may also affect the treatment efficacy of hepatitis B virus. For patients with both hepatitis B and fatty liver, in addition to monitoring and treatment for hepatitis B, it is important to adjust their diet and lifestyle, limit fat intake, engage in physical exercise, and promptly eliminate fatty liver. For carriers of the hepatitis B virus, before initiating antiviral therapy, if liver function abnormalities occur, it is necessary to determine whether the liver damage is due to fatty liver or active hepatitis B virus. Treatments can include protecting the liver and eliminating fatty liver. If the response to treatment is unsatisfactory, antiviral treatment for hepatitis should be considered.

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Written by Wu Peng
Gastroenterology
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The best method to eliminate fatty liver.

For the treatment of fatty liver, the general treatment first needs to identify the cause. For example, patients who drink alcohol excessively need to quit drinking; patients who are obese due to excessive nutrition should control their diet to help return their weight to normal; patients with concurrent diabetes should actively and effectively control their blood sugar; patients with malnutrition-related fatty liver should appropriately increase their nutrition intake, especially of proteins and vitamins. Secondly, adjust the dietary structure by appropriately increasing the intake of proteins and fiber while aiming for a low-sugar, low-fat diet. Minimize consumption of animal fats and eat more vegetables, fruits, foods rich in fiber, and high-protein foods, such as lean meats, fish, and soy products. Most importantly, increase physical exercise to promote the consumption of fats within the body. Aerobic exercises, such as jogging, cycling, swimming, and jumping rope, should be the exercises of choice.