Your Liver’s Whisper Before It Shouts: Understanding Mild Fatty Liver
Prepared by Dr. Ali
What Mild Fatty Liver Means
Mild fatty liver occurs when small amounts of fat build up inside liver cells. It’s now one of the most common liver findings in Australia, often discovered incidentally on ultrasound. While mild, it’s a signal that the liver is under metabolic stress—usually linked to weight gain, insulin resistance, or poor dietary patterns.
Why It Happens
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Carrying extra body weight, especially around the waist
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A diet high in refined carbs, sugary drinks, and processed fats
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Limited physical activity
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Diabetes, pre-diabetes, or high cholesterol
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Some medications or moderate alcohol use
How It’s Detected
Mild fatty liver is typically identified on imaging, such as an ultrasound, or through mild elevations in liver enzymes (ALT, AST). Further assessment may include non-invasive fibrosis testing to check the liver’s stiffness and long-term health.
What You Can Do About It
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Weight management: Aim for gradual, sustainable weight loss of around 7–10% of your body weight. Even a 5% reduction helps.
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Healthy eating: Follow a Mediterranean-style plan — fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, olive oil, fish, and lean proteins. Cut down on ultra-processed foods and added sugars.
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Stay active: Target at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. Combine aerobic and resistance exercises for best results.
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Limit alcohol: Even small amounts can add to liver fat and inflammation.
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Review your medications: Some medicines contribute to liver fat accumulation; discuss adjustments with Dr. Ali if appropriate.
Outlook and Long-Term Health
Mild fatty liver is reversible. With consistent lifestyle changes, the fat in your liver can significantly reduce within months. Keeping your metabolic health in check — blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose — protects both your liver and your heart for the long term.
Dr. Ali has prepared this article.
If you have any questions, contact with him:
🌐 www.DrAli.au
📧 Email: DrAliVic@gmail.com
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