Fatty liver disease is a common but often silent condition in which excess fat builds up in the liver. I will explain what it is, who is at risk, how it is diagnosed, and practical steps you can take to prevent or reverse it. If you suspect you have fatty liver disease, this article will help you understand next steps and when to get an ultrasound or specialist referral.
Fatty liver disease describes the accumulation of fat inside liver cells. In many people this causes no symptoms, but if fat triggers inflammation it can progress to scarring (fibrosis) and, over years, to cirrhosis or liver failure. The term covers a spectrum from simple fat without damage to metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease with inflammation.
Early detection matters because lifestyle changes can stop or reverse the process before serious damage occurs. Identifying fatty liver disease also highlights broader health risks such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Fatty liver disease most often results from metabolic factors rather than alcohol. Key risk factors include:
Alcohol can cause a separate but related condition. If alcohol intake is modest and metabolic risk factors are present, the diagnosis is commonly metabolic fatty liver disease.
Many people with fatty liver disease have no symptoms. When symptoms occur they are often vague, such as:
Because symptoms are often absent, screening is important when risk factors are present.
Diagnosis combines history, blood tests and imaging to estimate fat and look for liver damage. Typical steps include:
For accurate imaging I recommend a dedicated abdominal ultrasound. SonoCare Ultrasound Scan Centre offers focused liver ultrasound and elastography services to detect and track liver fat and stiffness. Their reports can help your doctor decide whether further tests or specialist referral are needed.
There is no single approved medication for most cases. The cornerstone of treatment is lifestyle change, which can reduce liver fat and stop progression.
Regular exercise lowers liver fat independent of weight loss. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity plus two strength sessions weekly.
Controlling blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure reduces risk. Work with your doctor to optimize medications for diabetes, lipids, and hypertension.
Certain patients with advanced fibrosis or rapidly worsening disease may be considered for clinical trials or specific drug therapies under specialist care. Weight-loss surgery is an option when BMI and comorbidities meet criteria and can substantially improve fatty liver disease.
Once fatty liver disease is identified, regular follow-up is important. Typical follow-up includes:
SonoCare Ultrasound Scan Centre can provide follow-up imaging to document improvement or progression. A clear imaging record helps guide treatment decisions.
Ask for referral to a hepatologist if you have evidence of liver fibrosis, persistently high enzymes, or complex metabolic disease. If ultrasound or elastography suggests scarring, specialist input is often needed.
Fatty liver disease affects a large portion of adults worldwide, especially where obesity and diabetes are common. Many cases are undiagnosed because symptoms can be absent.
Yes. Early-stage fatty liver disease can often be reversed with sustained weight loss, a healthy diet, and regular exercise. Reversal is less likely once significant fibrosis develops, which is why early action is important.
Ultrasound is a practical first-line test and can detect moderate to large amounts of liver fat. It does not measure fibrosis precisely, so additional tests like elastography or blood fibrosis scores may be needed.
Reducing or stopping alcohol is generally advised, since alcohol increases liver stress. Discuss safe limits with your clinician because advice depends on the amount you drink and other health factors.
A liver biopsy is only needed in selected cases where diagnosis is uncertain or when determining the degree of inflammation and fibrosis will change management. Noninvasive tests usually guide care first.
SonoCare Ultrasound Scan Centre offers focused abdominal ultrasound and liver stiffness measurements to detect and monitor fatty liver disease. Timely imaging from a trusted centre supports diagnosis, follow-up, and discussion with your doctor about treatment options.
If you have risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol, talk with your doctor about screening for fatty liver disease. An ultrasound at a specialised centre and a clear plan for lifestyle change can make a major difference to your liver health.
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