What effect can untreated fatty liver disease have over time?

Untreated fatty liver disease can lead to the development of cirrhosis over time. Fatty liver disease, particularly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an inflammatory condition that can result in liver cell injury. This ongoing inflammation and damage can cause the liver to scar, eventually leading to cirrhosis, which is the advanced scarring of the liver that can severely impact its function.

Cirrhosis can result in a range of serious health complications, including liver failure, liver cancer, and other life-threatening conditions. Recognizing the potential progression from fatty liver disease to cirrhosis underscores the importance of early intervention and lifestyle modifications to manage the condition before irreversible damage occurs.