Fatty Liver Disease

What is fatty liver disease?

Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat accumulates inside liver cells. It is now commonly called MASLD — metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. It is frequently associated with obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, high triglycerides and sedentary lifestyle.

Why is fatty liver important?

Fatty liver is not always harmless. In some patients, it can progress to liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and even liver cancer. Many patients have no symptoms in the early stages, which is why proper risk assessment is important.

Who is at risk?

• Diabetes or pre-diabetes
• Obesity or central weight gain
• High triglycerides or cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Family history of liver disease
• Abnormal liver function tests
• Fatty liver reported on ultrasound

Common symptoms

Most patients are asymptomatic. Some may have fatigue, heaviness in the right upper abdomen, or abnormal liver enzymes on routine blood tests. Symptoms usually appear late when advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis develops.

How is fatty liver evaluated?

• Liver function tests
• Ultrasound abdomen
• Assessment for diabetes, cholesterol and metabolic risk factors
• Fibrosis scoring such as FIB-4
• FibroScan or elastography to assess liver stiffness
• Further testing when advanced liver disease is suspected

Can fatty liver be reversed?

Yes, early fatty liver can improve significantly. Weight reduction, regular exercise, control of diabetes, healthy diet and avoidance of unnecessary alcohol or hepatotoxic medicines are central to treatment. Even 7–10% weight loss can improve liver fat and inflammation in many patients.

When should you consult a hepatologist?

• Fatty liver with diabetes
• Persistently abnormal liver enzymes
• FibroScan showing increased liver stiffness
• Low platelet count or enlarged spleen
• Family history of cirrhosis or liver cancer
• Signs of advanced disease such as jaundice, ascites or bleeding

Book a consultation

For specialist evaluation of fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis risk, you can book an online consultation.