Can You Get Liver Disease Without Drinking Alcohol? Understanding Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Many people think liver disease is only caused by heavy drinking. But there’s another common form called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)—and it affects more than 1 in 4 Americans, many of whom rarely or never drink alcohol.

What Is NAFLD?

• Fat buildup in the liver not caused by alcohol.
• Linked to metabolic health issues (obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, PCOS, etc.).
• Can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure if untreated.

Who’s at Risk Without Alcohol?

• Obesity or metabolic syndrome
• Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• PCOS
• Sleep apnea
• Thyroid disorders

Early Signs & Symptoms

• Often silent at first
• Later signs: upper-right abdominal pain, fatigue, jaundice, abdominal swelling, enlarged spleen, red palms, spider veins on skin

How NAFLD Is Diagnosed

• Blood tests (liver enzymes)
• Ultrasound or FibroScan (non-invasive)
• MRI/CT or biopsy in advanced cases

Treatment & Prevention‍

There’s no single pill, but lifestyle + medical management works:

• Lose 3–5% body weight (shown to improve liver function)
• Mediterranean-style diet, low in sugar and processed foods
• Exercise daily
• Manage diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure
• Avoid alcohol and excess supplements

When to See a Doctor‍

See a provider if you have risk factors or symptoms like fatigue, swelling, or jaundice.

At BASS Medical Group, we connect patients with:

• Gastroenterology
• Endocrinology
• Primary Care
• Radiology for diagnostic imaging

Schedule a liver health consultation today to catch problems early and protect your long-term health.

FAQ

Can you get liver disease without drinking alcohol?‍

Yes. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common and affects people who rarely or never drink alcohol.

What are the early signs of NAFLD?‍

Often there are no symptoms, but fatigue, abdominal pain, or elevated liver enzymes may appear in early stages.

How is NAFLD treated?‍

There’s no single medication. Treatment focuses on weight loss, exercise, diet changes, and controlling conditions like diabetes.