Get a Trusted Second Opinion from Dr. Johny Cyriac . Learn More
Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD/MASLD/NASH)
Management of Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD/MASLD/NASH)
What is Fatty Liver Disease?
Fatty liver disease refers to a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver. While mild fat accumulation may not cause significant harm, it can progress to inflammation or scarring, leading to more severe liver complications. Fatty liver disease is broadly categorized into:
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)/Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): Fat accumulation in the liver not caused by alcohol use.
- Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): A more severe form of fatty liver disease characterized by inflammation and liver cell damage, which can lead to fibrosis or cirrhosis.
At Central Gastro, our dedicated Fatty Liver Clinic provides advanced diagnostic and management services to address all stages of fatty liver disease, helping you achieve better liver health.
Expert Care at Our Dedicated Fatty Liver Clinic
Our Fatty Liver Clinic provides specialized care for patients with NAFLD, MASLD, and NASH. We combine advanced diagnostic tools, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support to help you achieve better liver health and prevent disease progression.
Our Dedicated Fatty Liver Clinic is a specialized center focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of fatty liver diseas, including Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). With a multidisciplinary approach, we aim to prevent liver-related complications and improve overall health through personalized care.
Understanding Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver, which can lead to inflammation, fibrosis, and in severe cases, cirrhosis or liver cancer. It is commonly associated with:
– Obesity
– Type 2 diabetes
– High cholesterol or triglycerides
– Metabolic syndrome
– Sedentary lifestyle
Conditions We Manage
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
– Early-stage fatty liver disease without significant inflammation or damage.
- Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
– A more severe form of NAFLD with inflammation and liver cell damage, potentially progressing to fibrosis or cirrhosis.
– Fatty liver caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
- Associated Metabolic Conditions
– Obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia.
- Liver Complications
– Fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease is often silent in its early stages but may present with symptoms as it progresses:
- Fatigue or weakness.
- Discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) in advanced cases.
- Swelling in the legs or abdomen (ascites).
If you experience these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation for timely intervention.
Risk Factors for Fatty Liver Disease
Several factors increase the risk of developing fatty liver disease:
- Obesity: Excess body weight is a primary risk factor.
- Type 2 Diabetes or Prediabetes: Insulin resistance contributes to fat accumulation.
- High Cholesterol or Triglycerides: Lipid imbalances can affect liver health.
- Hypertension: Chronic high blood pressure can contribute to liver damage.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity exacerbates risk.
- Metabolic Syndrome: A combination of risk factors, including obesity, high blood sugar, and abnormal lipid levels.
Complications of Fatty Liver Disease
If left untreated, fatty liver disease can progress to:
- Fibrosis: Scarring of the liver tissue.
- Cirrhosis: Advanced scarring, leading to liver failure.
- Liver Cancer: Increased risk in patients with cirrhosis.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Patients with fatty liver disease are at higher risk for heart disease and stroke.
Diagnosis of Fatty Liver Disease
At our Fatty Liver Clinic, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to evaluate liver health:
- Liver Function Tests: Blood tests to assess liver enzymes and detect inflammation.
- Imaging Studies:
- Ultrasound: Initial imaging for detecting fat accumulation.
- FibroScan® or MRI Elastography: Non-invasive methods to assess liver fibrosis or stiffness.
- UGAP for Simple Liver Fat Estimation
- Liver Biopsy: In cases requiring confirmation of NASH or advanced fibrosis.
- Metabolic Assessment: Screening for associated conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol.
Treatment Options for Fatty Liver Disease
Our personalized treatment plans focus on addressing the root causes of fatty liver disease and preventing progression:
- Lifestyle Modifications
- Weight Loss: Gradual reduction of body weight to improve liver health.
- Dietary Changes:
- Low-fat, high-fiber diets.
- Emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Avoidance of sugary beverages and processed foods.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity to improve metabolism and reduce liver fat.
- Medications
- Insulin Sensitizers
- Lipid-Lowering Drugs
- Antioxidants
- Monitoring and Support
- Regular follow-ups to track liver function and disease progression.
- Ongoing education and counseling through our Fatty Liver Clinic to support long-term lifestyle changes.
- Advanced Care for Severe Cases
- Fibrosis or Cirrhosis Management: Focused treatments to manage complications.
- Liver Transplant Referral: In rare cases of end-stage liver disease.
When to Seek Help for Fatty Liver Disease
If you have risk factors like obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol, or if you experience symptoms like fatigue or abdominal discomfort, it’s important to schedule a liver health evaluation. Early diagnosis and management can prevent complications.
