Fatty liver
What your ultrasound report means and what to do about it

Fatty liver means extra fat has built up in the liver. It is very common — often found by chance on an ultrasound — and is closely linked to weight, diabetes and cholesterol. Most people have no symptoms, but in some it can lead to liver inflammation and scarring over years. The good news is that fatty liver usually improves with weight loss and healthy habits. The gastroenterology team at Charak Hospital, Lucknow can assess and guide you.

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About fatty liver

What is fatty liver?

The liver normally contains a little fat. When fat makes up more than about 5 percent of the liver, it is called fatty liver. The most common type is linked to metabolic health — weight, blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure — and is now often called MASLD (formerly NAFLD). Alcohol is another important cause.

  • Found in many adults in India, including people who are not very overweight
  • Belly fat, diabetes, high triglycerides and inactivity raise the risk
  • Ultrasound grade (1, 2, 3) shows how much fat, not how much damage
  • Some people develop inflammation (steatohepatitis) and scarring (fibrosis)
  • Losing 7–10 percent of body weight can greatly reduce liver fat

Weight loss

The most effective treatment.

Exercise

Helps even before weight changes.

No alcohol

Protects the liver.

Check for scarring

FibroScan and blood tests.

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Symptoms

Symptoms and warning signs

Most people with fatty liver feel well. Symptoms, when present, are vague:

Tiredness

Low energy.

Heaviness in the upper right abdomen

A dull discomfort.

Weight around the waist

Central obesity.

Raised liver enzymes

Found on routine blood tests.

Yellow eyes or skin

A sign of more advanced disease.

Swelling of the abdomen or legs

Possible sign of cirrhosis.

Vomiting blood, black stools, confusion or yellow eyes need urgent medical care. Call 0522-666-4444. Call 0522-666-4444.

Diagnosis

Tests

Tests confirm fatty liver and check whether there is scarring.

Ultrasound abdomen

Detects fat and grades it.

Liver function tests

Enzymes such as ALT and AST.

FibroScan

Measures liver stiffness (scarring) and fat without a needle.

Metabolic tests

Sugar (HbA1c), lipids, thyroid and blood pressure.

Other liver tests

Hepatitis B and C and others to rule out other causes.

Treatment

Treatment

There is no single tablet for fatty liver; lifestyle change is the foundation.

Lose weight steadily

Aim to lose 0.5 to 1 kg a week until you reach your goal.

Fewer refined carbohydrates: white rice, maida, sugar and sweetsNo sugary drinks, packaged juices or fried snacksMore vegetables, pulses, fruit (whole, not juice) and protein

Exercise

  • 150 minutes of brisk walking a week
  • Add strength exercises twice a week

Dietitian

  • Our dietitian can plan Indian meals that suit you
Everyday care

Living with fatty liver

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Simple food swaps

Choose roti made from whole wheat or millets, dal, sabzi and salad; keep rice portions small.

Move more

Take the stairs, walk after meals and reduce sitting time.

Drinks

Water, buttermilk without salt and plain tea or coffee without sugar.

Contact us urgently if

  • Yellow eyes or skin
  • Swelling of the abdomen
  • Vomiting blood or black stools
  • Confusion or excessive sleepiness
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Myths about fatty liver

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“Fatty liver only happens to people who drink alcohol.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Most fatty liver in India is linked to weight, diabetes and diet, not alcohol.

Myth

“Thin people do not get fatty liver.”

Tap to flip
Fact

People with normal weight but extra belly fat can also have it.

Myth

“A detox drink or tablet will clean the liver.”

Tap to flip
Fact

There is no proven detox product. Weight loss and exercise are what work.

Your liver team

Gastroenterologists and dietitian

Gastroenterology Liver disease Dietetics
Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • Ultrasound report
  • Liver function and sugar reports
  • List of medicines and supplements
  • Insurance card

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need and the length of any hospital stay. Ask our team for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Is fatty liver grade 1 serious?

Grade 1 means mild fat. It is a warning sign to act on weight, diet and exercise, and to check sugar and cholesterol.

Can fatty liver be reversed?

Yes, in many people liver fat reduces substantially with weight loss and exercise.

Do I need a FibroScan?

It helps check for scarring, especially if you have diabetes, raised enzymes or other risk factors. Your doctor will advise.

Which foods should I avoid?

Sugary drinks, sweets, fried snacks, refined flour and alcohol.

Glossary

Words you may hear

MASLDMetabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, the new name for NAFLD.
FibrosisScarring of the liver.
CirrhosisAdvanced scarring of the liver.
FibroScanAn ultrasound-based test that measures liver stiffness.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Gastroenterology Liver disease Dietetics & nutrition Bariatric surgery Health library

Fatty liver on your report?

Book a consultation with our gastroenterology team. Call 0522-666-4444.

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Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Department of Medical Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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