What condition characterizes fatty liver?

Fatty liver is primarily characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver cells. This condition occurs when there is an imbalance between the synthesis and breakdown of lipids within the liver, leading to excessive fat storage. The liver, being a key site for metabolism and lipid processing, may accumulate triglycerides and other fats, which can lead to liver dysfunction over time.

This excess fat can occur due to various factors, including obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, or metabolic disorders. While inflammation of the liver can sometimes accompany fatty liver disease as it progresses to more severe conditions such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the defining characteristic of fatty liver itself is the fat accumulation.

Understanding fatty liver is critical, as it can lead to more serious liver conditions if not addressed, but the primary feature to recognize is indeed the buildup of fat within liver tissues.