The present study aims to offer more reliable non-invasive markers for the distinction between pure fatty change and steatohepatitis.  Sixty male albino rats, equally divided into 4 groups (15 rats/group). Group I acted as normal control were fed standard diet. Groups II, III, IV were fed high fat diet for 4, 8, 12 weeks respectively.  High fat diet caused sustained hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. It also induced significant histopathological and biochemical changes in liver enzymes, lipid profile and lipid peroxidation. It significantly increased both serum and tissue levels of leptin, vascular endothelial growth factor, tumor necrosis factor- alpha and interleukin-6. All tested parameters were significantly correlated with histological scoring.  Suggested parameters, based on their involvement as key players in disease pathogenesis, may be useful as non-invasive diagnostic tools for obesity-related non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases.