The first-line treatment for fatty liver disease is weight loss combined with regular exercise and healthy eating.
Symptoms may improve after a loss of 3-5% of body weight but 10% is desirable.
In some cases, weight loss surgery may be recommended.
If you have diabetes you need to stay in control of your condition and closely monitor your blood sugar levels. Your doctor will advise you to avoid doing anything to put extra stress on your liver, such as drinking alcohol. You will also need to be careful about taking medication and herbal remedies which can be harmful to the liver. To prevent further liver damage caused by viruses, you may receive vaccinations against hepatitis A and B.
If the condition has progressed to cirrhosis, you may be offered liver transplant surgery, which generally has good outcomes. There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of fatty liver disease, particularly if you are at high risk of the condition. These include:
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruit, vegetables, healthy fats and whole grains.
- Maintain a healthy body weight and take regular exercise.