New Delhi: Fatty liver disease has become a growing global health problem, often surrounded by myths that can lead to confusion and dangerous neglect. To clear the air, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard- and Stanford-trained gastroenterologist, recently shared a series of posts on Instagram debunking three major misconceptions.
Myth 1: Fatty liver is caused by eating fat
❌ False – It’s not fat intake alone that causes fatty liver.
✅ Truth – The main culprits are excess processed sugars (especially fructose) and unhealthy oils.
Healthy fats from sources like olive oil, avocados, nuts, and fatty fish are actually beneficial for liver health.
Myth 2: Fatty liver is harmless
❌ False – Many think fatty liver is not dangerous.
✅ Truth – Once fat exceeds 5% of liver weight, it can cause inflammation, scarring, and even liver failure.
- Fatty liver progresses silently from NAFLD → NASH → fibrosis → cirrhosis, and untreated cases can increase the risk of liver cancer.
- Early detection through blood tests and imaging is key, along with immediate lifestyle changes.
Myth 3: Supplements are the main treatment
❌ False – Supplements alone cannot reverse fatty liver.
✅ Truth – Diet and exercise remain the most effective treatments.
- Some supplements (milk thistle, omega-3s, vitamin E, NAC) may help, but only as part of a supervised plan.
- Weight reduction, physical activity, and eliminating processed sugars and unhealthy oils remain the core of treatment.
How to Prevent Fatty Liver Disease
- Healthy eating: Fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains; healthy fats from nuts, olive oil, fatty fish. Avoid excess sugar, processed food, and alcohol.
- Physical activity: Daily walking, cycling, or swimming at moderate intensity.
- Weight management: Losing just 3–5% body weight can significantly reduce liver fat and inflammation.
- Regular checkups: Especially for people with obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, or metabolic syndrome.
🔎 Bottom line: Fatty liver disease is not harmless, not caused simply by eating fat, and cannot be cured by supplements alone. A balanced diet, exercise, and weight control are the true protectors of liver health.
