What causes a fatty liver?

Fatty liver is most commonly caused by consumption of large quantities of alcohol on a regular basis or by heavy drinking during a short time period, according to WebMD. Medications, pregnancy, viruses, toxins and metabolic syndrome also can cause fatty liver in those who don't consume alcohol, notes Healthline.

Fatty liver often doesn't present any symptoms unless the liver becomes inflamed, Healthline explains. If that happens, the patient may feel weak and tired, have little appetite and experience weight loss. Treatment for fatty liver centers on treating the underlying cause. Abstaining from alcohol consumption, losing weight and controlling cholesterol levels are a few possible interventions.