People often believe that a flat stomach and normal weight mean the body is completely healthy. However, doctors say that sometimes a silent problem is developing within a seemingly normal body: fatty liver. This occurs when excessive fat accumulates in liver cells. Notably, this problem is not limited to obese individuals; it is also rapidly increasing in thin individuals. This is called lean fatty liver or lean NAFLD, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Fatty liver is diagnosed when more than 5 percent of fat accumulates in liver cells. This affects the liver’s vital functions, such as filtering toxins from the body and maintaining balanced sugar and fat levels. Initially, this disease does not cause any significant pain or symptoms, so people often only discover it during a routine blood test or ultrasound.
Many people wonder how someone who is thin can accumulate fat in their liver. According to a study by the US National Institutes of Health, weight alone doesn’t determine liver health. Visceral fat, especially around the organs, often causes more damage. A person may appear thin on the outside, but internal fat can affect the liver. Experts say that poor eating habits, prolonged sitting, stress, and genetic factors also increase this risk.
Many people nowadays eat less, but don’t eat right. Packaged snacks, sweetened beverages, white bread, refined carbohydrates, and high-sugar foods gradually put pressure on the liver. The liver converts excess sugar into fat, and this fat accumulates over time. This risk is even higher in South Asians, especially Indians. Research shows that fat often accumulates in the abdomen and around the liver. Furthermore, poor gut health can also cause inflammation and increased fat in the liver.
The good news is that fatty liver can be improved in its early stages. A balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress control can gradually improve the liver. Experts say that even a short walk after meals is beneficial for the liver. Therefore, judging health solely by body size is inaccurate. Regular health check-ups, blood tests, and ultrasounds can help identify fatty liver in time.