The short explanation
Slightly raised liver enzymes such as SGPT (ALT) and SGOT (AST) along with fatty liver on a scan usually mean that fat in the liver is causing some irritation. It does not automatically mean permanent damage. Fatty liver is very common, and in many people it improves when they lose some weight, become more active and reduce sugar and refined carbohydrates. Doctors pay attention because in some people fatty liver can progress over years to inflammation and scarring. To assess this, your doctor may suggest tests such as a FibroScan or blood-based scores that estimate scarring. Even modest, steady weight loss can reduce liver fat and bring enzymes down.
What depends on your situation
The parts of this that change from woman to woman. Uncertainty is stated, not hidden.
- Diabetes, prediabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and PCOS often go together with fatty liver.
- Avoid alcohol and herbal or over-the-counter products that may affect the liver, unless your doctor says they are fine.
- Other causes of raised enzymes, such as hepatitis B or C, thyroid problems or medicines, may also be checked.
What this answer cannot determine
The boundary of online education. These need a clinician who can see you.
- This cannot tell you how much your liver is affected. Further tests and your doctor's assessment are needed.
Questions for your clinician
Take these with you. You can add any of them to an appointment card.
- Do I need a FibroScan or other tests for scarring?
- Should I be tested for hepatitis or diabetes?
- How much weight loss would help my liver?
- When should my liver tests be repeated?
When to seek help
Clinician-approved guidance for this topic. When in doubt, being seen is never the wrong choice.
Book an appointment soon
- See a doctor within a few days if you notice yellow eyes, swelling of the belly or legs, or vomiting blood.
Raise it at a routine appointment
- Book a routine follow-up to plan tests and lifestyle changes.
Sources
The evidence this explanation is built on.
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) NHS
- Liver function tests MedlinePlus (NIH)
- NAFLD and NASH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH)
Who wrote and reviewed this
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- Author
- AskHer Editorial (AI-assisted draft) AskHer's editorial team — not an individual clinician Works in English, தமிழ், हिन्दी
- Clinical reviewer
- Nobody yet No clinician has signed this answer off, and no person on the editorial team has read it yet. That is what the “Written with AI assistance” label means. It is queued for an editor to read, and then for a clinician who works in this area. The sources it was drafted against are listed above.
- Review status
- Written with AI assistance — not yet reviewed by a person
- Last reviewed
- Not yet reviewed by a person
- Version
- 1
Correction history
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No corrections have been made since this answer was first published.
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