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Why liver gets enlarged in fatty liver?
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Digestive Health
Question #12293
46 days ago
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Why liver gets enlarged in fatty liver? - #12293

Fatima

I am feeling really confused and worried about some test results I just got. Doctor said I have fatty liver, and honestly, I thought it was just a little weight issue, but now I'm learning that it can be serious! My liver is enlarged and I'm trying to understand why liver gets enlarged in fatty liver? Like, I know I’ve been eating junk food a lot and have been super lazy, but I thought it was about just losing a few pounds. My blood tests showed elevated enzymes, and I can't shake off this feeling that it’s getting worse. Sometimes I feel tired all the time and my tummy feels kind of bloated, but I thought that was just normal! Why liver gets enlarged in fatty liver? Is it just too much fat accumulating? I read somewhere that inflammation might be involved too, but I don’t really get how that happens. I don't drink alcohol at all, which I thought was good, but am I just trading one bad habit for another with my eating habits? What can I do to help reverse this? I keep hearing about diet changes and excercise, but will that actually help? If I'm being honest, I’m scared about all this because I really don’t want to end up with something worse. Can someone explain why liver gets enlarged in fatty liver? It's all so overwhelming!

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Doctors’ responses

In fatty liver disease, the liver enlarges primarily due to the accumulation of excess fat within its cells. This process, known as steatosis, occurs when the liver’s ability to metabolize fat is outpaced by the amount entering or being produced. In simple terms, more fat ends up stored in liver cells than the liver can handle, pushing the organ to grow larger. Now, inflammation can indeed be a part of this picture. When fat accumulates in the liver, it might cause stress and inflammation in the liver tissue. This can lead to a condition known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) when it’s non-alcohol related, meaning the liver not only stores fat but also becomes inflamed and may even suffer damage. This inflammation contributes further to liver enlargement. As for your concerns regarding diet and exercise, you’re on the right track thinking about lifestyle adjustments. Reducing overall fat intake and losing weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity are key strategies to bring your liver health back on track. It’s not merely about dropping pounds but also about adopting a sustainable lifestyle that reduces liver fat and helps manage overall health. Prioritize whole foods over processed ones, increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Gradually incorporating regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, can be beneficial. While these changes can significantly help, it’s crucial to keep monitoring your condition with your doctor, particularly with those elevated liver enzymes you’ve noticed. Addressing fatty liver disease early can often prevent it from progressing to more serious conditions such as cirrhosis. So, keeping regular follow-ups to assess any changes in your condition and adjusting your lifestyle accordingly is vital for better liver health.

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