GHS Cares: Fatty Liver Disease
Written by Albin Abraham, MD, board-certified gastroenterologist at Granville Gastroenterology Associates.
Fatty liver disease, now officially called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), happens when too much fat builds up in your liver. This can lead to serious health problems like liver scarring (cirrhosis) or even liver cancer if it isn’t treated.
The good news? MASLD can often be managed or even reversed with simple lifestyle changes like eating better, exercising, and losing weight. As conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes continue to rise, understanding MASLD is more important than ever.
What Causes Fatty Liver Disease?
Your liver is one of your body’s hardest-working organs, but too much fat can make it sick. Here’s what can cause MASLD:
- Being overweight or obese: Carrying extra fat, especially around your belly, puts stress on your liver.
- Health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure: These conditions often go hand-in-hand with fatty liver disease.
- Unhealthy cholesterol levels: Too much “bad” cholesterol or triglycerides in your blood can lead to fat buildup.
- Metabolic syndrome: This is a group of problems (like high blood sugar, belly fat, and high blood pressure) that increase your risk of heart disease and fatty liver.
- Other factors: Hormonal issues like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), sleep apnea, or certain medications can also play a role.
What Are the Symptoms?
Most people with MASLD don’t notice any symptoms until it becomes more serious. That’s why it’s often called a “silent” disease. When symptoms do show up, they may include:
- Feeling tired or weak.
- Pain or discomfort in the upper right part of your belly.
- Yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice) if the disease worsens.
- Swelling in your belly or legs, confusion, or bleeding if it progresses to cirrhosis.
If you’re at risk for MASLD, your doctor may catch it early during routine tests.
How Is Fatty Liver Disease Diagnosed?
Doctors usually find MASLD by accident during tests for other conditions. Common ways to diagnose it include:
- Blood tests: High liver enzyme levels can mean your liver isn’t working properly.
- Imaging tests: Ultrasounds or CT scans can show fat in your liver.
- Liver biopsy: This is a small sample of your liver tissue that helps doctors check for damage.
What Can Happen If It’s Not Treated?
If left untreated, MASLD can lead to:
- MASH: This is when fat buildup causes inflammation and damage in your liver.
- Cirrhosis: Over time, the damage can cause scarring, which makes it hard for your liver to work.
- Liver cancer or failure: Severe cases can lead to life-threatening complications.
MASLD can also increase your risk of heart disease, which is why early treatment is so important.
How Can You Prevent or Treat Fatty Liver Disease?
The best way to manage or reverse MASLD is by taking care of your overall health. Here’s how:
- Eat healthier:
- Try the Mediterranean diet, which includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil.
- Cut back on processed foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol.
- Get moving:
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Activities like walking, biking, or swimming can help.
- Lose weight gradually:
- Losing just 5-10% of your body weight can make a big difference in reducing liver fat.
- Take care of other health problems:
- Work with your doctor to manage diabetes, high blood pressure, or cholesterol.
- Avoid things that can harm your liver:
- Stay away from alcohol and talk to your doctor about any medications you’re taking.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you’re at risk for fatty liver disease, regular check-ups can help catch it early—even before symptoms appear. Speak with your doctor if:
- You’ve been diagnosed with obesity, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
- Routine blood tests show elevated liver enzymes, which may suggest liver issues.
- You’re having trouble managing weight, blood pressure, or blood sugar levels.
If symptoms like persistent fatigue, abdominal pain, or swelling develop, it’s important to act quickly. Early diagnosis and treatment can stop the disease from progressing to serious complications like cirrhosis or liver failure.
Conclusion
Fatty liver disease doesn’t have to be a life sentence. With the right lifestyle changes and medical care, you can protect your liver and improve your overall health.
At Granville Gastroenterology Associates, we specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions like MASLD. Call 919-690-3499 or visit ghsHospital.org to schedule an appointment and start taking care of your liver today.
