One of the most common things I hear is:
“But I don’t drink much — so it can’t be fatty liver, can it?”
In reality, many people with fatty liver drink little or no alcohol at all.
What we now call MAFLD / MASLD (metabolic dysfunction–associated fatty liver disease) is not driven by alcohol. The older name has stuck, but it no longer reflects what we see in real life.
Why fatty liver affects non-drinkers
Fatty liver develops when the liver is repeatedly asked to process more energy than it can comfortably manage. This usually happens gradually, not overnight.
Everyday pressures such as blood sugar swings, ultra-processed foods, chronic stress, poor sleep, hormonal changes, and long periods of sitting all place extra demand on the liver. Over time, this can lead to fat being stored inside liver cells — even in people who feel they eat reasonably well.
Fatty liver isn’t usually caused by eating fat
Despite the name, fatty liver is not usually the result of eating too much fat. This surprises many people.
The liver is able to convert excess sugar and refined carbohydrates into fat when blood sugar levels are regularly pushed too high. This means frequent sugar or starch-heavy meals can contribute to fat building up in the liver, even when dietary fat intake is modest.
This misunderstanding alone causes many people to rule themselves out unnecessarily.
Why it often goes unnoticed
Fatty liver rarely causes obvious pain, although some people notice a dull ache or sense of fullness on the right-hand side. More commonly, people feel generally “off” — low in energy, foggy, or less resilient than they used to be — and put it down to stress, ageing, or a busy life.
Blood tests can also come back “normal”, particularly in the earlier stages, which adds to the reassurance that nothing is wrong.
Men, women, and life stage
Both men and women can develop fatty liver. Men tend to be affected earlier in adulthood, while women are often relatively protected until hormonal shifts occur — particularly during perimenopause and menopause.
This is one reason some women notice sudden changes in energy, weight, or wellbeing at midlife, even though their habits haven’t dramatically changed.
A gentler way to look at fatty liver
Fatty liver is not a personal failing, and it isn’t simply about alcohol or overeating. It’s often a sign that the body needs support rather than restriction or blame.
The encouraging news is that the liver is remarkably responsive to the right nutritional and lifestyle changes — especially when issues are identified early.
One-to-one nutritional support
If you’re feeling tired, foggy, or not quite yourself — and this has been brushed off because tests look “normal” — personalised support can make a real difference.
In my one-to-one nutritional therapy work, I help people understand what may be placing strain on their liver and how this connects with energy levels, blood sugar balance, hormones, and digestion. Support is always tailored, practical, and focused on sustainable changes rather than restriction or blame.
If you’d like to explore whether this approach is right for you, you’re welcome to get in touch to find out more about working with me one to one.