World Liver Day: Is fatty liver dangerous? What women over 50 should know

Causes of fatty liver disease: As women cross the age of 50, hormonal changes, slowed metabolism, and increased risk of diabetes and high blood pressure raise their vulnerability to fatty liver (Image: Canva)

Fatty liver disease isn’t often discussed like high blood pressure or cholesterol, but it’s quietly becoming a serious health issue, especially for women over 50. While it may not cause immediate symptoms, it can slowly damage the liver over time.

Fatty liver, or hepatic steatosis, is when too much fat builds up in the liver. While a small amount of fat is normal, excess fat can cause inflammation, liver cell damage, and even lead to liver failure in severe cases, says Dr Sharan Narute, Director - Liver Transplantation and HPB Surgery at Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.

“Fatty liver is often underestimated, but it can progress silently and lead to life-threatening complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer if left unchecked. As women cross the age of 50, hormonal changes, slowed metabolism, and increased risk of diabetes and high blood pressure raise their vulnerability to fatty liver. These changes can quietly accelerate liver damage,” he says.

Symptoms of fatty liver disease: Fatigue, mild abdominal discomfort, or unexplained weight loss might appear in later stages, but by then, the liver might already be inflamed or scarred (Image: Canva)

Also read | Fatty liver disease in young adults: Symptoms, causes, preventive measures to keep in mind

Post-menopausal women, says Dr Narute, may not realise they’re at risk, especially since early fatty liver often shows no symptoms. “Fatigue, mild abdominal discomfort, or unexplained weight loss might appear in later stages, but by then, the liver might already be inflamed or scarred,” he says, adding that this makes regular screening essential, as liver function tests or ultrasounds can detect the condition early, allowing timely lifestyle changes or treatment.

In many cases, fatty liver can be reversed with the right intervention.

Dr Narute suggests 7 things women over 50 should know about fatty liver:

• It often has no early warning signs: Most people with fatty liver feel completely normal. Symptoms like tiredness or jaundice often appear only in advanced stages.
• Your risk increases after menopause: Hormonal shifts and slower metabolism can lead to higher fat accumulation, especially around the liver.
• It’s linked to lifestyle and other conditions: Obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and lack of exercise are major contributors to fatty liver, regardless of alcohol use.

• Routine liver screening is a must: Dr Narute recommends annual health checkups that include liver function tests and ultrasounds to catch the condition early.
• It can progress to serious liver damage: Without treatment, fatty liver can lead to inflammation, scarring (fibrosis), cirrhosis, or even liver failure.
• Early lifestyle changes can reverse the condition: Losing weight, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding alcohol can significantly improve liver health.
• Medication may be needed in some cases: If lifestyle changes aren't enough, doctors recommend medication to manage related conditions like high blood sugar or cholesterol.