Written and medically reviewed by: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD, General SurgeryLast updated:
Fatty Liver Disease
Steatosis, MASH, and metabolic risk
Fatty liver (hepatic steatosis) is fat buildup inside liver cells. It may be alcohol-related or metabolic-associated (MASLD — formerly NAFLD). When inflammation and damage progress (MASH — formerly NASH), fibrosis and cirrhosis can follow. Diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome are common partners.
Educational schematic. Some structures may be simplified or emphasized for clarity; not an exact anatomical depiction.
© Cengiz Dibekoğlu — illustrative; not for unauthorized use
Figure summary
This educational figure shows: Fatty liver.
Key points
Who is at higher risk?
Obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, high triglycerides, and sedentary lifestyle raise risk. Alcohol is a separate steatosis pathway. Many people have no symptoms.
- Obesity and diabetes
- Insulin resistance
- Alcohol excess
Symptoms and diagnosis
Often silent; fatigue or mild right-upper discomfort may appear. Ultrasound is a frequent first finding; enzymes may rise. Elastography, MR, or biopsy may follow if fibrosis is suspected.
What helps?
Weight loss, Mediterranean-style eating, exercise, glycemic and lipid control, and limiting alcohol. Medications are considered in selected cases. HCC surveillance matters if MASH cirrhosis develops.
Why fibrosis staging matters
The degree of scarring—not just fat—drives long-term risk. Scores such as FIB-4 and elastography guide whether hepatology referral is needed.
More chapters in this hub
Liver Cysts
Simple vs complex cysts — when observation is enough
Hydatid Cyst
Echinococcosis — albendazole, PAIR, and surgery
Liver Disease Diagnosis
How clinicians confirm the problem and stage the next steps
Liver Tumors
Tumors — explained for shared decision-making
Colorectal liver metastases
When colon or rectal cancer has spread to the liver
Liver Disease Treatment
How treatment options are matched to risk, stage, and goals
Viral Hepatitis
Hepatitis B and C — chronic care
Liver Abscess
Fever, drainage, and antibiotics
FNH and Adenoma
Benign solid liver lesions
Liver Hemangioma
Common benign vascular tumor
Cirrhosis
Chronic injury and complications
Variceal Bleeding
Portal hypertension emergency
Appointment / info
This page is for education. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with your physician.
Medical editor: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD · Last medically reviewed: August 2026 · English patient-education chapter.