People with fatty liver have less of a helpful hormone called adiponectin, which normally helps burn fat and improve insulin sensitivity—so low levels may make their liver disease worse.

In overweight adults with fatty liver disease, the more fat there is in the liver, the more sugar the liver tends to make, and this link is pretty strong even when considering other factors like body size.

Kids with higher levels of a natural body protein called adiponectin tend to handle sugar better, even if they’re overweight.

Obese kids with lower levels of a hormone called adiponectin tend to have worse insulin resistance, even if they have the same amount of body fat as other kids.

In healthy adults without diabetes, higher levels of fat in the liver are associated with reduced sensitivity to insulin, suggesting liver fat content can signal broader metabolic issues.

When overweight people with fatty liver disease eat fewer carbs and calories, they lose weight and belly fat, but their body's ability to handle sugar doesn't really change.