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Fatty Liver Disease: Causes, Symptoms and How to Protect Your Liver
- Comprehensive Gastroenterology P.A.
- October 21, 2026
- 8 min read
Quick Answer
Fatty liver disease, now called MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease), happens when extra fat builds up in the liver. It is linked to excess weight, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, and affects roughly 1 in 4 adults. Most people have no symptoms. The good news: losing 5 to 10 percent of body weight can reduce liver fat and inflammation.
Fatty Liver by the Numbers
What Is Fatty Liver Disease?
A healthy liver contains a small amount of fat. When fat makes up more than about 5 percent of the liver, it is called steatotic or fatty liver. The newer names reflect its close link to metabolic health:
| New Name | Former Name | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| MASLD | NAFLD | Fat in the liver linked to metabolic risk factors |
| MASH | NASH | Fatty liver with inflammation and liver cell injury |
| MetALD | — | Metabolic fatty liver plus moderate alcohol use |
| ALD | — | Liver disease mainly caused by alcohol |
How Fatty Liver Can Progress
Stages of Liver Disease
Early stages can often be reversed
Little or no fat.
Fat builds up. Usually no symptoms and often reversible.
Fat causes inflammation and liver cell damage.
Scar tissue begins to form. Can still improve with treatment.
Advanced scarring that can lead to liver failure or liver cancer.
Who Is at Risk?
Common Risk Factors
Symptoms and Warning Signs
Most people with fatty liver feel fine. It is often found by chance on blood tests or an ultrasound. When symptoms occur, they may include:
- Fatigue
- Discomfort in the upper right abdomen
Signs of more advanced disease need prompt care: yellowing of the skin or eyes, swelling of the legs or belly, easy bruising, confusion, or vomiting blood.
How Fatty Liver Is Diagnosed
| Test | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Liver blood tests (ALT, AST) | Signs of liver inflammation, although they can be normal |
| FIB-4 score | A simple calculation using routine labs and age to estimate scarring risk |
| Ultrasound | Detects fat in the liver |
| Elastography (such as FibroScan) | Measures liver stiffness to assess fibrosis and fat |
| Liver biopsy | Rarely needed; used when the diagnosis is unclear |
Your gastroenterologist will choose the right tests based on your risk factors and results.
How to Protect and Heal Your Liver
Weight Loss and Liver Benefits
Approximate benefits reported in clinical guidance
Losing about 5 percent of body weight can reduce liver fat; 7 to 10 percent may improve inflammation and, in some people, scarring.
- Lose weight gradually, about 1 to 2 pounds per week.
- Follow a Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, fish and olive oil.
- Cut sugary drinks and limit added sugar and refined carbohydrates.
- Move more, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
- Limit or avoid alcohol.
- Manage diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure with your doctor.
For some patients with MASH and liver scarring, newer prescription medications may also be an option. Your doctor can tell you whether you are a candidate.
Liver Care in Denton, TX
Dr. Amjad Awan evaluates and manages fatty liver disease, hepatitis C and cirrhosis for patients in Denton, Lewisville and Coppell. Call (940) 243-0912, request an appointment, or read about our liver and digestive consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can fatty liver disease be reversed?
Yes, in many cases. Early fatty liver and inflammation can improve with weight loss, healthy eating, exercise and control of diabetes and cholesterol.
Do thin people get fatty liver?
Yes. People at a normal weight can develop fatty liver, especially if they have insulin resistance, diabetes or a family history.
Is coffee good for the liver?
Studies suggest regular coffee drinking is associated with lower risk of liver scarring, but it does not replace other treatment.
Should I see a specialist for fatty liver?
A gastroenterologist can assess your risk of scarring, especially if you have diabetes, abnormal liver tests or a high FIB-4 score.
Does fatty liver cause liver cancer?
Advanced scarring and cirrhosis raise the risk of liver cancer, which is why early diagnosis and monitoring matter.
Disclaimer: This article is for general education and does not replace professional diagnosis or treatment. If you have symptoms or questions about your digestive health, please talk with a qualified healthcare provider.
Contact Our Office
Dr. Awan has cared for patients in Denton County for 25 years with Comprehensive Gastroenterology P.A. He provides colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, ERCP, endoscopic ultrasound and treatment for the complete range of digestive, liver and pancreatic conditions, with a focus on clear explanations and personal care.
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