Fatty liver disease occurs when extra fat builds up in the liver and causes inflammation. It’s a growing health issue, now affecting more than 1 in 5 Australians, and is the most common liver condition in the developed world.
For most people, fatty liver disease causes no symptoms and is often discovered during routine blood tests or an ultrasound.
The main risk factors include:
Being overweight or obese
Type 2 diabetes
High cholesterol or high triglycerides
While most people with fatty liver disease won’t have serious problems, a small number may go on to develop scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). In advanced cases, this can lead to:
Jaundice
Fluid retention (ascites)
Internal bleeding
Liver cancer
More commonly, fatty liver disease is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and other vascular problems, which is why early diagnosis and lifestyle changes are so important.
Fatty liver disease is usually diagnosed with:
Blood tests (to check liver function)
An abdominal ultrasound
Occasionally, a liver biopsy is needed if there’s uncertainty about the diagnosis or concern about how much liver damage may have occurred.
There’s no specific medication for fatty liver disease, but the good news is that it’s highly manageable with lifestyle changes:
Lose weight gradually (even 5–10% of body weight can make a big difference)
Reduce saturated fats and processed foods
Exercise regularly (aim for 30 minutes most days of the week)
In some cases, medications may be recommended to reduce liver inflammation. Your doctor will also assess and help manage other risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
Hereditary haemochromatosis is a genetic condition where the body absorbs too much iron from food. Over time, this excess iron can build up in vital organs—especially the liver, heart, pancreas, and joints—leading to damage.
It’s one of the most common inherited conditions in Australia, affecting about 1 in 300 people.
The condition often runs in families and is usually picked up through:
Abnormal blood tests (for liver function or iron levels)
Family screening
Occasionally, due to symptoms like an enlarged liver, joint pain, fatigue, or even signs of liver or heart failure
A simple genetic test can confirm the diagnosis in most cases.
Treatment is simple and effective: removing blood (similar to donating blood) helps reduce iron levels in the body. This is known as therapeutic venesection.
At first, you may need to have blood removed every few weeks
Once levels are stable, most people only need 3–4 sessions per year
Ongoing monitoring with blood tests ensures iron levels remain in the safe range and complications are prevented.
If you’ve been diagnosed with fatty liver disease or hereditary haemochromatosis, or you’re at risk, talk to your doctor about the next steps. Early lifestyle changes and regular monitoring can protect your liver and your overall health.
For more liver health information, speak with your gastroenterologist or visit reputable sources like Liver Foundation Australia.