Fatty Liver Disease
What Is Fatty Liver Disease?
Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver. While having a small amount of fat in the liver can be normal, too much can lead to inflammation, liver damage, and scarring over time.
The most common type is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which is often associated with conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Fatty liver disease can also be caused by excessive alcohol use.
Many people with fatty liver disease do not experience symptoms, which is why regular medical evaluation is important. When identified early, lifestyle changes and appropriate treatment can help protect the liver and prevent the condition from progressing.
What Causes Fatty Liver Disease?
Fatty liver disease can develop for several reasons. MASLD is often associated with metabolic conditions that affect the way the body processes fat and sugar.
Risk factors may include:
- Overweight or obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- High blood pressure
- Metabolic syndrome
- A diet high in sugar and unhealthy fats
- Physical inactivity
- Certain medications
Alcohol-associated liver disease can also cause fat to accumulate in the liver. Your gastroenterologist can help determine the likely cause of fatty liver and recommend appropriate care.
Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease often causes no noticeable symptoms, particularly in its early stages. Some people may experience:
- Fatigue
- Mild discomfort in the upper right abdomen
- Weakness
- Unexplained weight changes
As liver disease progresses, more serious symptoms may develop. These can include yellowing of the skin or eyes, swelling in the abdomen or legs, easy bruising, or changes in mental alertness.
How Is Fatty Liver Disease Diagnosed?
Fatty liver disease may be discovered during routine blood work or imaging performed for another reason. Your provider will review your medical history, medications, lifestyle, and risk factors before determining which tests are appropriate.
Diagnostic testing may include:
- Liver function blood tests
- Abdominal ultrasound
- CT scan or MRI
- FibroScan® to evaluate liver stiffness and fat
- Additional blood tests to rule out other liver conditions
- Liver biopsy in certain cases
Testing can help determine how much fat is present and whether inflammation or scarring has developed.
Treatment for Fatty Liver Disease
Treatment for fatty liver disease focuses on reducing liver fat, improving metabolic health, and preventing further liver damage.
Depending on your individual needs, treatment may include:
Lifestyle Changes
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Following a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
- Increasing physical activity
- Limiting added sugars and highly processed foods
- Avoiding or limiting alcohol when recommended
Even modest weight loss can improve liver health for many people with fatty liver disease.
Managing Related Conditions
Controlling conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure can also help reduce the risk of liver damage. Your gastroenterologist may work with your other healthcare providers to coordinate your care.
Ongoing Monitoring
Regular follow-up appointments and liver testing may be recommended to monitor your condition and identify signs of inflammation or scarring.
Can Fatty Liver Disease Be Reversed?
Fatty liver disease can often be improved, particularly when it is identified before significant liver damage develops. Healthy lifestyle changes and treatment of related medical conditions can reduce liver fat and help prevent progression.
For patients who develop more advanced liver disease, ongoing monitoring and specialized treatment are important to reduce the risk of complications such as cirrhosis.
Why Choose Birmingham Gastroenterology?
Birmingham Gastroenterology provides comprehensive care for patients with fatty liver disease and other liver conditions. Our experienced team uses advanced diagnostic testing to evaluate liver health, identify risk factors, and monitor for inflammation or scarring.
We work with each patient to develop a personalized plan focused on improving liver health and reducing the risk of long-term complications.
If you have been diagnosed with fatty liver disease or have concerns about your liver health, schedule an appointment with Birmingham Gastroenterology by calling (205) 271-8000.