By Dr Arjun Prakash | Consultant Gastroenterologist | Harmony Digestive & Liver Wellness Centre – Milton Keynes
Being told you have a fatty liver disease often comes as a surprise. You may feel perfectly fine, and yet your scan or blood test shows that your liver has started storing excess fat. Understandably, you may wonder:
• Is this serious?
• Do I need to do something?
• Can I still have a drink occasionally?
As a fatty liver specialist in Milton Keynes, I see many patients in this situation. This guide is designed to give you clear, scientifically accurate answers, debunk myths, and offer practical steps to protect your liver.
What is Fatty Liver Disease?
Fatty liver disease (also called hepatic steatosis) happens when fat builds up in the liver cells. It affects around 1 in 3 adults in the UK, and most people have no symptoms.
There are two broad types:
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) – not caused by alcohol, linked to insulin resistance and metabolic health.
• Alcohol-Related Liver Disease (ARLD) – caused by long-term alcohol use. NAFLD is now the leading cause of abnormal liver function in the UK and is increasingly seen in young adults and even teenagers.
Myth: Only overweight people get fatty liver
This is a common misconception. While excess body fat increases the risk, fatty liver can occur in people with a normal BMI—a condition known as lean NAFLD. Factors like:
• Type 2 diabetes
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• PCOS
• Genetics
• Sedentary lifestyle can all contribute, regardless of your weight.
At Harmony Digestive and Liver Wellness Centre, we routinely see slim individuals with fatty liver who feel blindsided by the diagnosis.
“I’ve been told I just have fatty liver. Should I worry?”
“Just fatty liver” is misleading. While early-stage fatty liver is often harmless, in some people it progresses to more serious forms:
• NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis) – liver inflammation and injury
• Fibrosis – scarring of the liver
• Cirrhosis – advanced, permanent liver damage
• Liver cancer
The key? Early detection and lifestyle changes. With the right support, fatty liver is reversible in most cases.
If you’ve been told you have fatty liver, a private liver consultation can help assess your risk of progression and guide a personalised care plan.
Is it safe to drink alcohol with fatty liver?
Even small amounts of alcohol may increase the risk of liver damage, especially in people with NAFLD. While occasional drinking may be tolerated in some, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
The safest advice is:
• Avoid alcohol if you have inflammation or fibrosis
• If permitted by your doctor, stick to less than 14 units/week spread across multiple days
• Be honest about your intake—many underestimate it If you’re unsure, consider a consultation with a liver specialist to understand what’s safe for you.
Do fad diets or keto help with fatty liver?
Rapid weight-loss diets may promise big results, but they can do more harm than good—especially for your liver. Sudden calorie restriction, unbalanced macronutrients, and “detox cleanses” may:
• Worsen liver inflammation
• Cause gallstones
• Lead to muscle loss
• Be difficult to sustain
Evidence supports a Mediterranean-style diet: rich in whole grains, legumes, oily fish, olive oil, and vegetables. This approach improves insulin sensitivity and liver fat without the risks of crash dieting.
How much exercise is enough for fatty liver?
You don’t have to become a marathon runner—but physical activity is one of the most effective treatments for fatty liver disease.
Recommended:
• 150–300 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity (e.g. brisk walking, cycling)
• Plus 2 strength sessions (e.g. weights, resistance bands)
What’s remarkable is that even without weight loss, exercise can reduce liver fat, improve insulin resistance, and slow disease progression.
Too much intense exercise without proper nutrition, however, may cause fatigue or worsen muscle loss. Aim for a balanced, consistent routine.
What can you do right now?
Fatty liver isn’t something to panic about—but it’s not something to ignore either. The earlier you act, the better the outcomes.
DO vs AVOID
• Eat a fibre-rich, balanced diet | Avoid high-sugar, ultra-processed foods
• Exercise regularly | Avoid long periods of inactivity
• Moderate or avoid alcohol | Don’t assume “a bit” won’t matter
• Get regular check-ups | Don’t rely on guesswork or online fixes
• Consider a liver scan or FibroScan | Don’t ignore elevated liver enzymes
Final word: There is hope
Fatty liver disease is common, silent—but often reversible. You don’t need to follow fads or extremes. With the right information, support, and small lifestyle changes, your liver can heal.
At Harmony Digestive and Liver Wellness Centre in Milton Keynes, we offer:
• Detailed liver assessments
• FibroScan and ultrasound
• Personalised advice from liver and digestive health specialists
• Ongoing support tailored to your lifestyle
Located in Milton Keynes, we welcome patients from across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and surrounding areas.
To book a private liver consultation or second opinion, get in touch with us
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