What causes fatty liver in women? Signs, triggers, and health risks
Whether it's due to postmenopausal changes, PCOS, or processed food overload, understanding the real triggers can help you prevent long-term liver damage. In this article, we break down the top causes of fatty liver in women, how to identify the warning signs early, and the lifestyle changes that make a real difference.
7 causes of fatty liver in women
Poor diet and obesity
One of the most common causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (
NAFLD
) in women is a diet high in sugar, refined carbs, and saturated fats.
These foods lead to fat deposits in the liver, especially when combined with a sedentary lifestyle. Obesity, particularly visceral fat around the abdomen, makes the liver more prone to inflammation and damage.
Insulin resistance and PCOS
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (
PCOS
) often develop insulin resistance, which means the body can't effectively process sugar. This increases fat storage in the liver. Even women without PCOS but with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes face a higher risk, since both conditions disrupt the body's ability to manage fat and sugar effectively.
Monitoring blood sugar, maintaining a low-glycaemic diet, and engaging in regular exercise are key strategies to reduce fatty liver risk in insulin-resistant individuals.
Alcohol consumption
While fatty liver disease is often non-alcoholic, alcohol remains a major factor. Women metabolise alcohol differently from men and are more susceptible to alcoholic fatty liver disease (
AFLD
) even at lower doses. Regular or binge drinking can quickly lead to fat buildup and scarring (fibrosis) in the liver.
Hormonal changes and menopause
Oestrogen helps regulate fat distribution and metabolism. After menopause, declining oestrogen levels may lead to fat storage around the abdomen and in the liver. This hormonal shift makes postmenopausal women more likely to develop NAFLD even if they're not overweight.
Sedentary lifestyle
A lack of regular
physical activity
slows down metabolism and fat burning. Many women who spend long hours sitting—for work or otherwise are more likely to develop metabolic disorders that contribute to fatty liver.
Genetics and family history
If you have a family history of liver disease, obesity, or type 2 diabetes, especially among first-degree relatives, your risk for developing fatty liver disease increases significantly. One of the best-studied genetic risk factors is the
PNPLA3 rs738409 variant
, which impairs triglyceride breakdown in liver cells and increases fat storage. Meta-analyses show that individuals carrying the G allele have drastically higher odds of developing NAFLD or progressing to NASH, compared to those with the protective CC genotype.
In women over 50 and non-obese individuals, the GG genotype is particularly predictive of severe outcomes like fibrosis. This genetic predisposition is notably prevalent in South Asian populations, who often develop 'lean NAFLD' despite normal body weight.
Rapid weight loss or malnutrition
Ironically, rapid weight loss can harm your liver instead of healing it. When women lose weight too quickly, especially through crash diets, extreme fasting, or unmonitored detox plans, the liver is flooded with free fatty acids, which can overwhelm its capacity and lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
This is especially concerning for women with eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia, where malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies (like lack of choline, vitamin E, or protein) are common.
Fad diets that promise fast results often neglect essential nutrients, placing additional stress on the liver. Instead, experts recommend gradual weight loss (around 0.5–1 kg per week) combined with a balanced diet for sustainable liver health.
Understanding what causes fatty liver in women is the first step toward prevention and long-term liver health. From hormonal conditions like PCOS to lifestyle factors such as high-sugar diets, sedentary habits, and alcohol use, multiple elements play a role in triggering fat buildup in the liver. Even genetics, especially variants like PNPLA3 can quietly influence your risk, particularly if you're of South Asian descent or have a family history of type 2 diabetes, obesity, or liver disease.Prioritise a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet, incorporate daily physical movement, and pay attention to your metabolic and hormonal health.
If you fall into a high-risk group, it's worth having a conversation with your doctor about early screening or liver function tests, even if you're asymptomatic.
Also read |
Vitiligo impacts more than appearance: Here's how it affects mental and social wellbeing
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
a day ago
- News18
The Silent Epidemic: Why Fatty Liver Is Becoming Increasingly Common In Young Adults
Last Updated: Once considered a condition affecting middle-aged, older individuals, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is now increasingly diagnosed in people as young as their early 20s Fatty liver disease, particularly Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), is quietly emerging as a major health concern among young adults in India. Once considered a condition affecting middle-aged and older individuals, NAFLD is now increasingly diagnosed in people as young as their early 20s. Lifestyle changes, rising obesity, and dietary habits are among the key drivers of what experts are now calling a 'silent epidemic." A Modern Lifestyle Problem At the core of this alarming trend is the modern sedentary lifestyle. Long hours of sitting—whether at desks, in front of screens, or during commutes—combined with a lack of physical activity disrupt normal metabolism and promote fat accumulation in the liver. What's more concerning is that even individuals who appear slim or fall within normal BMI ranges may be at risk due to what's now termed 'lean NAFLD," where visceral fat affects internal organs without visibly increasing body weight. Unhealthy eating habits are another major contributor. 'The easy availability and frequent consumption of processed, high-sugar, and high-fat foods, especially among college students and young professionals, is drastically impacting liver health. Add to that sugary drinks and late-night eating habits, and the liver is constantly under assault," explains Mool Meena, Founder & CEO, Sheopals. What makes fatty liver especially dangerous is its potential to act as a gateway to more serious conditions. NAFLD increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and liver cancer. In some cases, it may lead to liver failure, requiring transplantation. Prevention Through Lifestyle and Ayurveda The good news is that fatty liver is largely reversible, especially in its early stages. A multi-pronged approach involving a healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, stress reduction, and routine health checkups can make a significant difference. Nutritionists recommend a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, while avoiding saturated fats and refined sugars. Exercise, including strength training and cardio, for at least 150 minutes a week, is critical. Losing just 5–10% of body weight can substantially reduce liver fat and inflammation. Complementing lifestyle changes, traditional herbs are also gaining recognition for their hepatoprotective properties. Herbs like Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), and Makoi (Solanum nigrum) have been used in Ayurveda to help repair liver cells, detoxify the liver, and protect against chemical damage. 'Scientific interest in these herbs is growing, as they offer a natural adjunct to lifestyle management for fatty liver. They support liver function, reduce oxidative stress, and aid in the body's natural detoxification processes," says Dr. Mandeep Sahanpal,BAMS, BLSLLB. A Call to Action As NAFLD becomes more prevalent among India's younger population, it's crucial to increase awareness, promote early screening, and adopt proactive lifestyle habits. Combining the best of modern medicine with time-tested traditional knowledge can help reverse the tide of this silent epidemic and protect the health of an entire generation. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
‘Fatty liver disease affecting many kids'
Mumbai: Fatty liver is a disease not only of adults but is common among today's children as well. "Around 50% of obese children and nearly 20% of children with normal weight have a fatty liver," said Hepatologist Dr Aabha Nagral. Fatty liver disease is a condition in which excess fat builds up in the liver, affecting its normal function; inflammation over time leads to scarring (cirrhosis), and potentially liver failure or cancer. "Like viruses, fatty liver too causes hepatitis or inflammation of the liver," she said. It's estimated that nearly 30% of the population has a fatty liver, which could soon emerge as a leading cause for transplant. It's to check this growing epidemic that Dr Nagral's Children's Liver Foundation and Jaslok Hospital organised a fest for schoolchildren at Nehru Centre in Worli on Saturday. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai "Children don't go for annual health check-ups like adults do. However, if there is a family history or one of the parents has metabolic syndrome (a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes), then fatty liver should be considered if the child is overweight," said Dr Nagral. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elegant New Scooters For Seniors In 2024: The Prices May Surprise You Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Learn More Undo Students, including those from Bombay International School, Anjuman Islam, Green Lawns School, and J B Vachha School, were told about the need to identify fatty liver and treat it. "There is a need to check food labels, understand saturated and unsaturated fats," said one of the organisers. Fatty liver was traditionally associated with alcoholics, but, in the 1980s, doctors noticed "liver beaded with extra fat" even in the absence of alcoholism. This led to the birth of the term non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, which, in June 2023, was renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease or MASLD. At the fest, kids were blindfolded before tasting food. Ragi brownie, the healthier option, was identified as tasty. tnn
Economic Times
a day ago
- Economic Times
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: An acute menace and a silent killer
Fatty liver disease was once considered a relatively rare and benign condition. It now has become one of the most pressing public health concerns. The reasons are simple enough — rising rates of obesity, sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits. While alcohol is a known risk, non-alcoholic fatty liver is also more prevalent now. Fatty liver is now classified as MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), mainly driven by obesity, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia—not alcohol alone. What makes it particularly alarming is how it often goes unnoticed — many individuals discover they have fatty liver only when imaging is done for unrelated reasons. Imaging is crucial for early detection, identifying liver issues that blood tests may not detect early. In 2024, 2.5 lakh individuals were screened, of which 65% had fatty liver. Notably, 52% had normal liver enzyme levels, according to Apollo Hospitals Health of the Nation Report 2025. Hepatologists say patients often come in for fatigue and mild abdominal discomfort. What appears to be a minor issue turns out to be stage-2 NAFLD. Worse still, this condition is no longer just a concern for the middle-aged or the obese — even teenagers are showing early signs of fatty liver due to diets high in processed foods and sugary drinks. A study in the US involving adolescents revealed that nearly 10% had some form of fatty liver changes, often linked to soft drink consumption and a lack of physical activity. What's particularly concerning is the long-term trajectory: Fatty liver can quietly progress to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer without any obvious silent developments underscore the need for early screening, public awareness, and a shift in lifestyle choices. Today, watching for fatty liver isn't just a medical necessity — it's a cultural wake-up call. Eat nutrient-rich food: Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, fish, olive oil; Omega-3 from salmon, chia seeds, flaxseeds; black coffee or green tea: 2–3 cups/day (unsweetened); healthy snacking via dark chocolate with nuts, dates with walnuts, Greek yogurt with berries, lean proteins, healthy fats. Avoid processed, sugary, fast foods and fried foods. That means colas, sodas, and candies are a no. Avoid white bread, pastries, red meat, processed meats, trans and saturated fats. Work out regularly: At least 150 minutes a week of moderate or 75 minutes a week of intense activity. Aim for 40 minutes a day for six days a wee. Maintain a healthy weight. Losing just 5–10% of body weight can help. Avoid alcohol and certain medications like statins and corticosteroids. Control blood sugar and cholesterol. What is Fatty liver is a condition where excess fat (more than 5–10% of the liver's weight) accumulates in liver cells. What does the liver do? It detoxifies the body, produces essential proteins, and helps digest fats. What does fatty liver do? With a rise in fat buildup, liver cells can become inflamed and scarred — impairing its vital functions. Why is fatty liver a big deal? Three reasons: It is strongly linked to obesity, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes; it can affect even non-drinkers (ergo, non-alcoholic); and it often goes undiagnosed until significant damage has occurred. What are the symptoms? Most people have no symptoms in the early stages. Detected accidentally via ultrasound or blood tests. In advanced stages, symptoms and complications include fatigue, abdominal pain (right upper side, enlarged liver, jaundice (in severe cases). What are the complications of fatty liver? Fibrosis - scarring; cirrhosis - severe liver damage; liver cancer (rare but possible).
