The present invention relates to the use of Humulus japonicus extract for preventing or treating metabolic disorders or fatty liver. More particularly, the present invention relates to a functional health food containing Humulus japonicus extract as an active ingredient for preventing or improving metabolic disorders or for weight loss, to a pharmaceutical composition containing Humulus japonicus extract as an active ingredient for preventing or treating metabolic disorders, to a functional health food containing Humulus japonicus extract as an active ingredient for preventing or improving fatty liver, and to a functional health food containing Humulus japonicus extract as an active ingredient for inhibiting the accumulation of visceral fat. The Humulus japonicus extract of the present invention may facilitate weight loss, lower the levels of blood lipid, ALT and AST. Further, the Humulus japonicus extract of the present invention has the effect of inhibiting the accumulation of visceral fat. The Humulus japonicus extract of the present invention can be used in preparing a functional health food providing the above-described effects of preventing or improving metabolic disorders, fatty liver, the accumulation of visceral fat, etc.