Fatty Liver Disease in Children

The liver is the body’s largest solid organ responsible for removing toxins and processing food nutrients. Normally, it contains little to no fat. However, when the amount of fat exceeds 5-10% of the liver’s weight, it is diagnosed as fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic steatosis.

While fatty liver disease is more common in adults who consume alcohol heavily, it is also becoming a health concern for children due to obesity, dietary intake, or other underlying factors. This chronic condition, referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), affects 1 in 10 children below the age of 10 and is more common among boys than girls.

NAFLD can vary in severity, from simple and mild—where fat accumulates in the liver without inflammation or damage—to more severe conditions such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Left untreated, fatty liver disease may progress to serious liver complications, including end-stage liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Causes of Fatty Liver Disease in Children

Several factors can increase a child’s risk of developing fatty liver disease. These include:

• Obesity

  : A high BMI (body mass index) above the 85th percentile and a buildup of fat focused on the abdomen may lead to fatty liver disease.

• Type 2 Diabetes

  : This chronic disease occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or fails to produce enough amounts to maintain normal glucose levels.

• Hepatitis C

  : A child with a history of hepatitis C, which is a liver infection, is at a higher risk of developing a fatty liver.

• Insulin Resistance

  : This is a condition in which the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, disrupting glucose metabolism.

• High Cholesterol and Lipid Levels

  : Children may develop a fatty liver if they experience abnormally high amounts of cholesterol or fats in their bloodstream (dyslipidemia).

• Metabolic Disorders

  : Certain conditions, such as metabolic syndrome and lipodystrophy, can interfere with normal metabolic processes, causing increased fat storage in the liver.

Does Fatty Liver Disease Run in Families?

If any member of the family (parent or sibling) has a history of fatty liver disease, there is a high chance that a child may also develop one themselves. Recent studies have revealed the presence of inheritable forms of NAFL caused by a mutation in a specific gene, ABHD5. These genetic factors may affect the way the body metabolises and stores fat, as well as its insulin response.

What Can Be Done About Fatty Liver Disease?

Fatty liver disease is often described as a “silent” disease since it typically does not present any noticeable symptoms. But with the right approach, this condition is preventable and treatable. Regular check-ups with a specialist, liver function screenings, and monitoring your child's lifestyle habits can keep the disease at bay and allow for necessary treatment adjustments.

Our clinic provides patients with comprehensive and evidence-based diagnostic assessments and medical procedures for all liver diseases to help patients manage their liver health proactively and effectively. Schedule an appointment with our liver specialist, Dr Kieron Lim, for a detailed consultation—call 68360080 today.