Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Steatosis)

Overview

Fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic steatosis, is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver. It is increasingly common, especially in people who are overweight, have type 2 diabetes, or consume high amounts of processed foods and sugars. Fatty liver can be broadly classified into two types: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcohol-related liver disease. NAFLD is the most prevalent and is often found in individuals who drink little or no alcohol.

Causes and Risk Factors

The most common risk factors for fatty liver disease include:

• Obesity and central (abdominal) fat
• Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• Insulin resistance
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Poor diet, especially high in sugar and refined carbs
• Sedentary lifestyle

NAFLD may progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which involves liver inflammation and can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer if not managed.

Symptoms

Many people with fatty liver have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Fatigue
• Mild right upper abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Elevated liver enzymes on blood tests

Diagnosis

Fatty liver is typically diagnosed through:

• Blood tests (e.g., elevated ALT or AST)
• Imaging (ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI)
• FibroScan (to assess liver stiffness/fibrosis)
• Liver biopsy (in certain advanced or unclear cases)

Treatment and Management

There is no specific medication approved for NAFLD or NASH, but the foundation of treatment is lifestyle modification, including:

• Weight loss: Losing 7–10% of body weight can reduce liver fat and inflammation.
• Healthy diet: A Mediterranean-style diet low in sugar and processed carbs has been shown to improve liver health.
• Exercise: Regular aerobic and resistance training reduces liver fat and improves insulin sensitivity.
• Blood sugar and lipid control: Managing diabetes, high cholesterol, and triglycerides is critical.
• Avoiding alcohol and unnecessary medications that may stress the liver.

How Health Force One Helps

At Health Force One, we offer a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to managing fatty liver disease. Our services include:

• Liver imaging referrals and interpretation
• Blood work monitoring and risk stratification
• Personalized nutrition and weight loss plans
• Medication optimization for associated conditions like diabetes and hyperlipidemia
• Lifestyle coaching to support lasting changes

We empower patients with the education and tools needed to reverse or halt fatty liver disease progression and reduce the risk of serious liver complications.

Let me know if you’d like references, a patient handout, or information specific to NASH or pediatric fatty liver.