Hospiten emphasizes the importance of early detection of this condition, which may be linked to factors such as being overweight, diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle, or an unhealthy diet

Fatty liver disease is a condition that can develop in people who do not drink alcohol and that, in many cases, remains asymptomatic for years; which is why Dr. Katherine Bustamante, a gastroenterologist at Hospiten Bellevue University Hospital, explains that for what is known as metabolic and dietary syndrome-associated steatohepatitis (MASLD), regular medical checkups are crucial for early detection and to prevent the condition from progressing.

Excessive fat accumulation in liver cells can persist for years without causing noticeable symptoms and may go unnoticed until it is detected through a blood test or an imaging study performed for another reason.

The Hospiten specialist explains that fatty liver occurs when there is an accumulation of fat within liver cells above established levels. “The organ receives more fat and sugar than it can process and begins to store it,” she notes.

One of the main problems with this condition is its silent nature. “Most people feel absolutely nothing for years, even with advanced fatty liver disease,” the doctor states. For this reason, it is often diagnosed incidentally, through a blood test or an abdominal ultrasound.

Among the main factors associated with the development of fatty liver are being overweight and obesity—especially abdominal fat—insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, a sedentary lifestyle, and a diet high in refined sugars and saturated fats.

Dr. Katherine Bustamante also points out that being of normal weight does not rule out the possibility of developing this disease. “There are thin people who may have fat accumulation around their internal organs—so-called visceral fat—and there is also a predisposition to fat storage regardless of body weight,” she notes.

The Importance of Early Detection

Since the disease is often asymptomatic, regular health screenings are particularly important. For this reason, the expert recommends paying special attention to people with risk factors by conducting blood tests for liver enzymes and abdominal ultrasounds when indicated.

The progression of fatty liver disease also varies from patient to patient. When fat accumulation is accompanied by inflammation and cellular damage, a condition known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) may develop. This condition can lead to fibrosis—that is, the progressive formation of scar tissue in the liver.

“If this process continues untreated, it can progress to cirrhosis,” warns Bustamante. Although not everyone with fatty liver develops cirrhosis, those who progress to advanced fibrosis are at higher risk for liver cancer. For this reason, medical follow-up is especially important for patients with risk factors such as diabetes or obesity.

Lifestyle: A Tool for Prevention

Prevention and management of risk factors play a fundamental role. Among the most strongly recommended measures are losing 7 to 10% of body weight for overweight individuals, engaging in regular physical activity, reducing consumption of added sugars and sugary beverages, and prioritizing a Mediterranean-style diet based on vegetables, fiber, and healthy fats.

It is also important to keep associated conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, under control.

The specialist at Hospiten Bellevue University Hospital emphasizes that abstaining from alcohol is beneficial for liver health but does not eliminate the risk of developing the condition. “Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is now the most common liver disease in the world, and a large proportion of cases are due to diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and metabolism,” she explains.

“Liver health depends on several factors and deserves attention, even if you don’t drink a single drop of alcohol,” concludes Dr. Katherine Bustamante.

Through initiatives and awareness campaigns like this one, Hospiten reaffirms its commitment to prevention and comprehensive healthcare, promoting early diagnosis and encouraging healthy lifestyle habits to improve the quality of life for its patients.