28 May 2025 : Fatty liver disease is becoming increasingly common, especially with sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, and rising obesity rates. What many people don’t realise is that this condition isn’t just about fat buildup, it can trigger a chain reaction that puts your liver at serious risk.
In a March 5 post, Dr. Wendi, a gastroenterologist, explained what really happens inside your body when fat builds up in the liver and why ignoring it could be risky.
How fatty liver progresses, stage by stage
“One in four Americans have fatty liver disease and it will soon become the leading cause of liver transplant in the US,” Dr Wendi wrote in the caption.
“When you have fatty liver, yellow fat starts to accumulate in the cells of your liver,” she explains in the video. “Over time, this fat can lead to the formation of scar tissue, which is known as stage 1 fibrosis,” she adds.
As the disease progresses, the damage deepens. “With more and more scar tissue forming, the liver becomes harder, this is stage 3 fibrosis,” Dr. Wendi continues. She points out that at this point, the damage can begin to affect liver function more seriously.
Summary: Untreated fatty liver disease may progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, or cancer; early lifestyle changes and medical care are crucial to prevent damage.