Unexpected Reason Fatty Liver Is Becoming More Common Among Young People

When hearing the words “fatty liver disease,” one might automatically assume it is alcohol-related. After all, the liver is the organ responsible for breaking down most of the alcohol we consume. However, today, the main driver is not alcohol—it’s diet.

Dr. Ben Galyardt recently pointed out a troubling trend on TikTok: many of his patients with fatty liver disease are underage and don’t drink alcohol at all. This underscores the growing prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among young people in the U.S.

Supporting this concern, researchers analyzed data from more than 4,600 adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 29, gathered between 2007 and 2016. Their findings revealed that approximately 18.5 percent of this group had NAFLD.

Dr. Galyardt shared his firsthand observations with Newsweek. He said: “The new name for NAFLD is metabolic dysfunction-associated stratification liver disease. This emphasizes the idea that it is a blood sugar-based disease.”

The study also highlights that, in addition to obesity, many young people with NAFLD face related health issues such as high cholesterol and insulin resistance. These problems are linked to changes in the food environment, where unhealthy high-fat and high-sugar foods are easily accessible, particularly in low-income areas.

Galyardt, who has been practicing functional medicine for 25 years, explained: “Children are developing fatty liver disease at an exponential rate because of poor dietary options. Sodas, energy drinks, chips and ultra-processed foods drive blood sugar spikes and subsequent crashes. This leads the body to store glucose in the liver and later release it as needed. Interestingly, we see more patients who are nondiabetic with fatty liver disease than diabetic patients with the condition.”

What Are the Warning Signs of Fatty Liver Disease?

Known as a silent disease with few or no symptoms, fatty liver disease can be difficult to detect. Galyardt, based in Fort Collins, Colorado, told Newsweek: “The one true way to determine fatty liver is with an ultrasound, but an easy test to look for it is called GGT. If this number is over 20, it is a strong indication that someone may be developing fatty liver.”

He explained that individuals who are prediabetic might begin to gain body fat, with their cholesterol and blood pressure rising—key indicators that they are at risk.

“The number one sign we look for is high ferritin, which is stored iron,” he added. “High ferritin not only indicates inflammation but also points to liver distress.”

How Can This Disease Affect Someone’s Health?

NAFLD is the most common chronic liver condition in the United States, according to the American Liver Foundation. It is estimated that about 25 percent of adults in the U.S. have NAFLD.

Galyardt explained fatty liver leads to liver dysfunction and impaired detoxification, but its underlying causes—such as insulin resistance, prediabetes, inflammation and blood sugar swings—can drive systemic inflammation, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and other chronic conditions affecting public health.

How To Prevent the Disease

“The number one thing people can do in order to prevent and reverse their fatty liver is to keep their blood sugar as stabilized as possible,” Galyardt explained.

You can achieve this by maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, staying hydrated with plenty of water, minimizing sugary drinks and ensuring you get adequate sleep.”

For some individuals, the disease may already be present, but the good news is that it can be reversed. As explained by Galyardt in his video on November 13, which has been viewed over a million times (@doctorbengalyardt), there’s two ways to do this:

1. Use a continuous glucose monitor, placed on the back of the arm, and watch blood sugar levels so you can stabilize them.
2. A liver cleanse or detoxification, guided by a doctor, can help remove chemicals and toxins, facilitating the transition from a fatty liver to a healthy one.

He added: “There is no drug that will treat fatty liver. There is no surgery that will fix it. This is a lifestyle-induced issue and the treatment needs to be on the causes which are going to be the food and drinks that someone is consuming.”

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