Fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic steatosis, occurs when there is an accumulation of fat in the liver cells. There are two main types:


Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): This occurs when fat builds up in the liver of people who drink little to no alcohol. It's commonly associated with obesity, insulin resistance (such as in type 2 diabetes), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), high levels of fats (triglycerides) in the blood, and metabolic syndrome.


Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD): This is caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver, and excessive consumption can lead to fat accumulation, inflammation, and liver damage.


Risk factors for fatty liver disease include obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, high levels of fats in the blood, rapid weight loss, certain medications, and genetic factors.


In NAFLD, the exact mechanism isn't fully understood, but it's believed that insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction play a significant role. Excess fat is stored in liver cells, leading to inflammation and liver damage over time. In AFLD, the mechanism is more direct, as alcohol metabolism in the liver produces toxic byproducts that damage liver cells and lead to fat accumulation.


Fatty liver disease can progress from simple fatty liver (steatosis) to more severe forms like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which involves liver inflammation and can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually liver failure if not managed properly. Therefore, it's crucial to address risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and excessive alcohol consumption and to adopt a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise to prevent or manage fatty liver disease.