The present invention relates to a method for treating a fatty liver disease or disorder in a patient in need thereof. The method comprises administering at least one matrix metalloproteinase (“MMP”) inhibitor to the patient. Fatty liver disease or disorders include, for example, NAFLD, NASH, ALD, fatty liver associated with chronic hepatitis infection, TPN, steroid treatment, tamoxifen treatment, gastrointestinal operations, diabetes and Reye's Syndrome. The method is particularly useful when the fatty liver disease is associated with TPN and the patient is an infant or when the patient is obese. MMP inhibitors useful in the present invention include, for example, Marimastat, tetracyclines, Prinomastat, Batimastat, BAY 12-9566, AG3340, BMS-275291, Neovastat, BB-3644, KB-R7785, TIMP1, TIMP2, doxycycline, minocycline, RS-130,830; CGS 27023A, Solimastat, Ro 32-3555, BMS-272591, and D2163. Marimastat is a preferred MMP inhibitor.