Hypothyroidism and fatty liver are 2 medical conditions that are very common in the community. No wonder we see both diseases in the same person. However, it is still not clear if either of these diseases can cause the other.
Some studies have shown that people with fatty liver may have higher TSH levels than normal people. This could be because people with fatty liver tend to be obese and have insulin resistance. People with uncontrolled hypothyroidism can have abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism, leading to fatty liver. However, most of the fatty liver disease in the community is not related to thyroid disease. It is related to unhealthy eating habits, less physical activity, consumption of ultra processed foods, genetic predisposition, and alcohol use.
Thyroid hormones have an important role in fat metabolism in the liver. A drug that acts on the thyroid hormone receptor called Resmiterom is now approved as a treatment for fatty liver disease. To check if your fatty liver disease and thyroid are connected, please discuss with your endocrinologist.
Dr.Mathew John MD,DM