Fatty liver means that at least 5% of the liver cells are fatty. The build-up of fat in the liver enlarges it. A significantly enlarged liver can cause sensations in the right-hand side of the upper abdominal area but, usually, fatty liver is asymptomatic.
The fatty liver disease is divided into
alcoholic fatty liver disease
and
metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
It is possible for one person to have both the alcoholic and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease. Alcohol use can strain the liver and increase the risk of advanced liver disease in metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease, even if your alcohol consumption does not exceed the general consumption risk limits.
In Finland, just like in other Western countries, metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease is more common than alcoholic fatty liver disease. It is caused by obesity, especially abdominal obesity. However, even a person of normal weight can get fatty liver. The abbreviation of metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease is MAFLD.
The disposition to the build-up of fat in the liver is individual. Based on hereditary disposition, in some people, overweight or extra fat is more liable to build up in the abdominal cavity, internal organs and, specifically, liver.