Grade 1 Fatty Liver Disease: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

A recent AIIMS report says that nearly 38% of Indians have fatty liver or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

One of the earliest stages of fatty liver disease is grade 1, also known as mild hepatic steatosis.

Excess fat accumulates in the liver when it constitutes more than 5% of the liver's weight. Fortunately, NAFLD organs might impair the liver's functioning. A healthy liver requires a certain amount of fat to function, but problems arise when excess fat seriously harms the liver. If left unchecked, it may cause liver cancer or liver failure.

Many people are diagnosed with (NAFLD) nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which can be due to various reasons. Some of the reasons include diabetes, obesity, and an unhealthy lifestyle, even though fatty liver is mainly caused by excessive drinking. 

If your liver is too fat and malfunctions, you might feel exhausted and have a slight upper right abdominal ache. Fatty liver illnesses can be reversed with a nutritious diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods.

Read more to learn about the symptoms of grade 1 fatty liver disease, its causes, and treatment options. 

Causes of Grade 1 Fatty Liver

There are several factors that contribute to the development of grade 1 fatty liver:

• Insulin resistance happens when the body's cells become less sensitive to insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar levels. Excess sugar in the bloodstream can then be stored as fat in the liver.
• Obesity- Excess weight nearly around the abdomen can be a significant factor for NAFLD.
• Metabolic syndrome- This can cause high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, high blood sugar, and abdominal obesity. 
• Diet- A diet rich in saturated fats, sugary drinks, and refined carbohydrates can cause fat accumulation in the liver.
• Genetics- Certain genes can increase your susceptibility to NAFLD.

Fatty Liver Vs. Normal Liver

Parameter	Normal Liver	Fatty Liver
Lab Values	- ALT, AST: Within normal range (<40 U/L) - Bilirubin: Normal (<1.2 mg/dL) - No elevated triglycerides or abnormal lipid profile	- ALT, AST: Mildly elevated - Bilirubin: May be normal or slightly elevated - Elevated triglycerides and abnormal lipid profile
Physical Findings	- Liver size: Normal - No tenderness - No palpable enlargement - Size of liver in women and 10.5 cm in men (normal values)	- Liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) - Mild abdominal tenderness - Fat accumulation detectable on imaging - fatty liver is 2 to 3 cm larger than normal size
Liver Shape (Imaging)	- Smooth, homogeneous texture on ultrasound or MRI	- Enlarged liver with bright echotexture indicating fat deposition (on ultrasound)
Symptoms	- Asymptomatic - No significant fatigue or discomfort	- May include fatigue, mild abdominal discomfort, and bloating - In severe cases, jaundice or dark urine may develop

What are the Symptoms of Grade 1 Fatty Liver?

Many people with Grade 1 fatty liver disease do not show any symptoms, while some might show subtle symptoms. Here are some common symptoms-

• Fatigue and Weakness
• Upper abdominal discomfort
• Elevated liver enzymes
• High triglycerides levels
• Sudden weight gain 
• Uncontrolled blood sugar levels
• High Triglycerides levels
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling in legs, feet, and hands
• Yellowish skin and white eyes

How to diagnose Grade 1 Fatty Liver?

To diagnose grade 1 fatty liver, your doctor may recommend blood tests or imaging tests. Here are some diagnostic tools used to detect NAFLD includes-

Blood Tests

• Liver Function Tests (LFTs)- Measures enzymes like ALT and AST to detect liver inflammation or damage.
• Lipid Profile Test- Assesses cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) & HbA1c- Evaluates risk of diabetes, which is often linked to fatty liver.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC)- Check overall health and any inflammation markers.

Imaging Tests

• Ultrasound- The most common test to detect fat accumulation in the liver. Grade 1 fatty liver is diagnosed when mild fat deposits are seen without liver inflammation.
• CT or MRI Scans- May be recommended for detailed imaging if needed.
• FibroScan (Transient Elastography)- Measures liver stiffness to rule out fibrosis or cirrhosis.

Grade 1 Fatty Liver is often reversible with lifestyle changes like improved diet, regular exercise, and weight management. Regular health checkups and liver screenings can help to prevent progression to more severe stages.

Grade 1 Fatty Liver Diet 

Here are some specific dietary recommendations for managing grade 1 fatty liver-

• Focus on whole foods- Choose unprocessed foods like brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread over refined options. Fiber helps to digestion, reduce cholesterol levels and also improves liver function.
• Limit sugar and refined carbs- Try not to drink excessive carbonated drinks, sweet and processed foods. Choose complex cabs like grains and avoid white bread and pastries as they may worsen your fatty liver symptoms.
• Eat healthy fats—You can consume fats like olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish. These foods help reduce inflammation and also improve liver health.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables—berries, green tea, leafy greens, and vegetables high in vitamins A, C, and E. These fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and help protect the liver from damage caused by inflammation and fat buildup.
• Add Lean Proteins- You can choose sources like poultry, fish, beans, and legumes rather than red meat. 
• Drink enough water- Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day and avoid sugary and caffeinated beverages.

Grade 1 Fatty Liver Treatment Options

Your doctor may suggest some tips for lifestyle management to treat grade 1 fatty liver disease.

• Reduce alcohol intake- To recover your liver health, try to reduce alcohol consumption. Persistent alcohol may damage your liver and lead to fatty liver worsening.
• Lose some weight- Regular exercising, a healthy diet, and taking medications can help you lose weight.
• Take medications to manage metabolic conditions- Take prescribed medications to manage diabetes, cholesterol, and triglycerides levels.
• Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B- These viral infections are dangerous if you already have liver disease. 

Other treatment options

1. Glucagon-like-peptides (GLP1) agonists
2. Statins (to treat dyslipidemia in fatty liver patients)
3. Bariatric surgery (for morbidly obese patients)
4. Liver transplantation (if the liver is damaged fully)

Who is at risk of grade 1 fatty liver disease?

One of the most common risk factors for fatty liver disease is obesity and consumption of alcohol. With the increasing obesity in the population, there is a rise in the prevalence of fatty liver. Here is who is at high risk of grade 1 fatty liver disease- 

NAFLD

• People having Diabetes mellitus or Insulin resistance
• Older age
• Poor dietary habits
• People with Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol levels)
• People with Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Metabolic Syndrome (Hypertension, hyperglycemia, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels)
• People with infections such as Hepatitis C
• People with Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) 
• People with Hypopituitarism (deficiency of the pituitary hormones)
• Exposure to toxins
• Genetic factors affecting alcohol metabolism
• Presence of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

The final words

Grade 1 fatty liver indicates the earliest stage of NAFLD, characterized by mild fat buildup in the liver. If you are diagnosed with Grade 1 fatty liver disease, start taking precautions and regularly consult your doctor. Don't forget to get regular health checkups from Redcliffe Labs to ensure 100% report correctness. 

Adopt a healthy lifestyle and take your medications in a timely manner to reverse Grade 1 fatty liver and restore normal liver health and functioning. 

FAQ’s

1. Is fatty liver grade 1 dangerous?

Grade 1 fatty liver is not dangerous on its own, but it can lead to more serious conditions if left untreated. 

2. Can Stage 1 fatty liver be cured?

Yes, grade 1 fatty liver is reversible with lifestyle changes and proper medications.

3. How can I reduce my fatty liver 1?

There are no medical treatments for Grade 1 fatty liver disease, but you can try lifestyle changes like healthy eating, regular exercise, weight management, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and taking proper rest.

4. What should not be eaten in fatty liver grade 1?

If you have a fatty liver, you should avoid foods like saturated fats, added sugars, alcohol, fried and processed foods.