Both short- and long-term consequences of obesity can be devastating to your health. While you may already be aware that obesity can lead to an increased risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer, it is important to understand this is not a complete list. Obesity can also cause liver problems that, over time, have the potential to result in serious injury to your liver.
Identification
Obesity can lead to the development of liver problems both directly and indirectly. Obesity, as well as conditions such as diabetes and high blood triglycerides that may result from obesity, can be a factor in a liver condition called fatty liver. Dr. Frank W. Jackson of Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology also lists intestinal bypass surgery for obesity as well as rapid weight loss as possible causes of fatty liver disease. Left unchecked, fatty liver can progress to a more serious condition called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
Definition
Fatty liver is the result of fat cell build-up in your liver that can begin before you reach the technical definition of obesity. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that although you are not technically obese until you reach a BMI of 30 or more, a body fat percentage of 25 or more signals a point where fat cells can start to accumulate. The presence of these fat cells is due in large part to changes in fat metabolism that make it difficult for your liver to break them down. These fat cells can trigger inflammation, scarring or fibrosis and cirrhosis. If the condition progresses to the more serious nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, it can cause liver failure.
Diagnosis/Treatment
Fatty liver does not usually produce noticeable symptoms, although MayoClinic.com notes you may feel some fatigue and pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen or begin experiencing sudden weight loss. In most cases, however, your doctor will discover fatty liver during a routine physical or while examining you for another reason. A true diagnosis requires a liver biopsy. Weight loss is the best form of both preventing fatty liver and treating early stages. Later-stage results such as scarring or cirrhosis are not reversible and may lead to the need for a liver transplant.
Considerations
Although obesity can cause fat cells to accumulate in your liver and lead to fatty liver, this does not necessarily mean you will develop the more serious nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The NIDDK reports that antioxidants and other survival mechanisms in your body may help keep nonalcoholic steatohepatitis from developing. More research is necessary to identify the trigger or triggers that cause disease progression.
