What is fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease happens when too much fat builds up in the liver's cells. It can be related to alcohol use, or, more commonly, unrelated to alcohol and linked instead to obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Symptoms
Fatty liver often has no symptoms in its early stages, which is why it's frequently found incidentally on an ultrasound done for another reason. When symptoms do occur, they may include tiredness or mild discomfort in the upper right abdomen.
Causes and risk factors
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- Heavy alcohol use
- Very rapid weight loss
How is it diagnosed?
An ultrasound often first identifies fat in the liver. A Fibroscan gives a more precise measurement of both the fat content and whether any early scarring has developed.
Treatment
The good news is that fatty liver, especially in its early stages, can often improve significantly with:
- Gradual, steady weight loss
- Dietary changes
- Better control of diabetes and cholesterol
- Avoiding alcohol
Dr. Gattani may recommend periodic Fibroscan testing to track your progress over time.
Frequently asked questions
Often, yes, especially when caught early. Weight loss and lifestyle changes can meaningfully improve or even resolve fatty liver in many cases.
It can range from mild to more advanced. Left unaddressed, it can sometimes progress to more significant liver damage, which is why monitoring and early lifestyle changes matter.
Treatment is mainly focused on lifestyle changes. Dr. Gattani will advise if any additional treatment is needed based on your specific case.
Diet plays a central role — reducing sugar, refined carbohydrates, and excess calories, while eating more vegetables and lean protein, generally supports improvement.