Medically reviewed by Edward Tavel, MD, Medical Director · Last reviewed 23 August 2026
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition where excess fat is stored in the liver, unrelated to heavy alcohol consumption. Think of it as the liver holding on to more fat than it needs, which can sometimes affect how well it functions. This condition is quite common and is seen in individuals who maybe overweight or have metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol. For many people, NAFLD is a silent condition, meaning it causes no noticeable symptoms and is often discovered incidentally through routine blood tests or imaging studies performed for other reasons.
When symptoms do occur, they are typically mild and can include fatigue or a feeling of discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen where the liver is located. Because the signs can be subtle, NAFLD often goes undiagnosed for a long time. It is important to know that in its simple form, NAFLD may not cause serious problems. However, in some individuals, the excess fat can lead to inflammation — a condition known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) — which can be more serious and may lead to liver damage over time.
An MRI scan is a very effective, non-invasive way to detect and assess NAFLD. It provides detailed images of the liver and accurately measure the amount of fat present, helping confirm diagnosis, understand the severity of the condition, and monitor it over time. This clear view allows for early and informed conversations about lifestyle changes — such as diet and exercise — that can help manage and even reverse the buildup of fat in the liver.
References
- Fatty liver disease (MASLD) – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Published December 12, 2025. Accessed March 4, 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fatty-liver-disease-masld/symptoms-causes/syc-20354567
- Definition & Facts of NAFLD & NASH. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Published April 2021. Accessed March 4, 2026. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/nafld-nash/definition-facts
- Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD ). American Liver Foundation. Published 2023. Accessed March 4, 2026. https://liverfoundation.org/liver-diseases/fatty-liver-disease/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease-nafld/
- Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Accessed March 4, 2026. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease
Frequently asked questions
What causes fatty liver if I do not drink heavily?
NAFLD is a build-up of excess fat in the liver that is unrelated to alcohol. It is closely associated with carrying extra weight and with metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol.
Does fatty liver cause symptoms?
For many people, no. It is often a silent condition discovered incidentally through routine blood tests or imaging done for another reason. When symptoms do appear they tend to be mild — fatigue, or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen.
Is NAFLD dangerous?
In its simple form it may not cause serious problems. In some people the excess fat leads to inflammation, a condition called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH, which is more serious and can damage the liver over time. Knowing which situation applies to you is what makes the distinction useful.
Can an MRI measure how much fat is in my liver?
Yes. MRI can accurately measure the amount of fat present, which helps confirm the diagnosis, understand the severity, and monitor change over time — without radiation.
Can fatty liver be reversed?
It often improves with changes to diet and exercise and with management of related metabolic conditions. What is realistic varies from person to person.
If anything in your own report is unclear, that is best discussed directly. Call MRI Wellness at 1-833-WELLMRI and we can help you understand what it describes and arrange a review if that is needed.
Sources
A whole-body MRI at MRI Wellness looks at the brain, spine, chest, abdomen and pelvis in a single session, without radiation or contrast dye. No referral is needed.
