Fatty liver and liver disease management in Neelankarai, ECR
Fatty liver is common and often silent. Learn its causes, tests and how weight, diet and follow-up can reverse it, with the liver team at Healtree Hospital, ECR.
By the Healtree Hospital clinical team.
Fatty liver means extra fat has built up in the liver. It is very common, often causes no symptoms, and is usually found on an ultrasound or a routine blood test. It is mostly linked to excess weight, diabetes and high cholesterol, or to alcohol. In its early stages it can be reversed with weight loss, diet and exercise. The hepatology team at Healtree Hospital, Neelankarai, ECR assesses and follows up fatty liver.
Types of fatty liver
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD, previously called NAFLD) is linked to weight, blood sugar and cholesterol, and is the most common form. Alcohol-related fatty liver is caused by drinking. Both can progress from simple fat, to inflammation, to scarring (fibrosis) and finally cirrhosis if nothing changes.
Who is at risk
- Excess weight, especially around the waist
- Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
- High cholesterol or triglycerides, and high blood pressure
- PCOS and thyroid disorders
- Regular alcohol use
- Some medicines, and rapid weight loss
Symptoms
Most people feel nothing. Some notice tiredness or a dull ache in the upper right abdomen. Signs of advanced disease, such as jaundice, swelling of the legs or abdomen, or vomiting blood, need urgent medical attention.
How fatty liver is assessed
A finding of fatty liver on ultrasound is the start, not the end, of the assessment. The doctor checks how much inflammation or scarring is present, because that decides the follow-up.
- Liver function tests, blood sugar, HbA1c and lipid profile
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Scores calculated from blood tests, and liver stiffness measurement, to estimate scarring
- Tests for other causes, such as hepatitis B and C
Treatment
Lifestyle change is the main treatment, and it works: losing 7 to 10 percent of body weight can reduce liver fat and inflammation, and may reverse early scarring.
- Gradual weight loss through diet and regular activity (about 150 minutes a week)
- Cutting down on sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates and fried foods
- Stopping alcohol completely if it is a factor, and limiting it otherwise
- Good control of diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure
- Medicines for specific situations, as advised by the hepatologist
- Regular follow-up to track liver tests and stiffness
See a specialist in Neelankarai, ECR
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Our Medical Gastroenterology & Hepatology team at Healtree Multi-Speciality Centre & Hospital can assess your situation. The hospital is open 24 hours.
Specialists: Dr. Rajasekaran
Related services: Ultrasound & Doppler, Laboratory (24/7)
Frequently asked questions
- Is fatty liver serious?
- Early fatty liver is usually harmless and reversible. Without changes it can progress to inflammation, scarring and cirrhosis in some people, which is why assessment and follow-up matter.
- Can fatty liver be reversed?
- Yes, in the early stages. Losing 7 to 10 percent of body weight and controlling diabetes and cholesterol can significantly reduce liver fat and inflammation.
- Which foods should I avoid with fatty liver?
- Limit sugary drinks and sweets, refined flour and white rice in large portions, fried and processed foods, and alcohol. Favour vegetables, whole grains, pulses and lean protein.
- Can thin people get fatty liver?
- Yes. Fatty liver also occurs in people with normal weight, especially with insulin resistance or a family history of diabetes.
Related reading
Ready to see a specialist?
Book an appointment online or call us any time. Our team is available 24/7.