Why does fatty liver disease often present with no symptoms?

25% of the world population (adults only) has non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. 40% of the US population (adults only) actually has non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It’s very common, but in most cases, there are no symptoms. 

There are two types of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease:

1. Fat only 

2. Fat and inflammation 

The symptoms of a fatty liver don’t typically show up for many years. The situation often goes from a fatty liver to an inflamed fatty liver to cirrhosis. But, you might not know you have a fatty liver and take action until you have symptoms, which could be too late.  

• 90% of obese people have NAFLD

• 60% of diabetics have NAFLD

• 20% of people with normal weight have NAFLD, with the majority also having insulin resistance 

Insulin converts glucose to triglycerides. I believe high levels of insulin are what’s causing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Carbohydrates (especially fructose and omega 6 fatty acids) are what’s behind high insulin.  

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic fatty liver disease have different causes but the same effects. This could mean that fructose, omega-6 fatty acids, and other refined carbohydrates have a very similar effect as alcohol on the liver.