What is fatty liver?

Fatty liver is a disorder of liver fat metabolism caused by various factors, mainly characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver, exceeding 5% of the liver's weight. It is a common clinical phenomenon that can affect the entire body, but it is not an independent disease. The causes of fatty liver are complex and associated with long-term alcohol consumption, obesity, rapid weight loss, pregnancy, medication, malnutrition, hyperlipidemia, and other factors. Symptoms may include gastrointestinal symptoms, discomfort in the liver area, electrolyte metabolic disturbances, skin symptoms, and endocrine disorders. In its early stages, fatty liver may be asymptomatic. As the condition progresses, it can lead to liver inflammation (fatty hepatitis) and fibrosis, and in severe cases, may even develop into cirrhosis or liver cancer. If the condition is complicated or continues to worsen, timely medical attention is recommended.