Fettstuhl

Fettstuhl is a German compound whose meaning is not fixed in formal terminology. Because the German word Stuhl can denote either feces or a chair, the interpretation of Fettstuhl depends on the context in which it is used.

In informal or medical-adjacent German, Fettstuhl may be used to describe fatty stools, i.e., steatorrhea. This refers to stools that are unusually fatty, pale, bulky, and sometimes foul-smelling, which can indicate fat malabsorption. It is not a standard medical term; in professional contexts, steatorrhea or fat malabsorption are preferred descriptions.

Causes of fatty stools can include pancreatic insufficiency, certain liver or biliary conditions, celiac disease, inflammatory or infectious disorders of the small intestine, and some medications that affect fat absorption. Diagnosis typically involves evaluating symptoms, conducting stool fat tests, and assessing pancreatic function or intestinal health. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying condition and may include dietary changes, pancreatic enzyme replacement, or other medical interventions as appropriate.

Outside of medicine, Fettstuhl may appear in design, literature, or colloquial speech as a metaphor or a brand name, but there is no universally recognized non-medical definition. The term remains rare and context-dependent, with its meaning inferred from the surrounding language.

See also: steatorrhea, fat malabsorption, stool analysis, pancreatic insufficiency.