Fatty Liver Disease Specialists in Karnataka

What is Fatty Liver Disease?

Fatty liver disease is a condition in which excess fat accumulates in liver cells, impairing the liver's ability to function normally over time. It exists in two main forms, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, related to metabolic factors such as obesity and diabetes, and alcoholic fatty liver disease, caused by heavy alcohol consumption, with the non-alcoholic form now the more common cause worldwide including in India. In its early stages, fatty liver disease typically causes no symptoms and is often discovered incidentally on imaging performed for other reasons or through mildly abnormal liver blood tests. If the underlying cause is not addressed, a subset of patients progress to a more serious form involving liver inflammation and scarring, which can eventually lead to cirrhosis. Fortunately, early-stage fatty liver disease is generally reversible with lifestyle changes, making early detection valuable.

Causes of Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is caused by metabolic factors including obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, which lead to excess fat storage in liver cells. Alcoholic fatty liver disease results from heavy, sustained alcohol consumption that overwhelms the liver's capacity to metabolise fat normally. Rapid weight loss, certain medications, and some metabolic or genetic conditions can also contribute to fat accumulation in the liver.

Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease

Often asymptomatic in early stages, fatigue, mild discomfort or fullness in the upper right abdomen, unexplained weakness, in progressed disease jaundice, abdominal swelling, easy bruising, unintended weight loss

Treatment & Types of Fatty Liver Disease in Karnataka

Treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease centres on gradual weight loss, regular physical activity, and management of underlying conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol, as no specific medication is yet universally approved to treat the condition directly. Complete abstinence from alcohol is essential for alcoholic fatty liver disease and can lead to significant improvement if achieved early. Regular monitoring with liver blood tests and imaging helps track disease progression and detect early signs of more advanced liver damage.

Fatty liver disease has two principal forms: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), linked to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, and alcoholic fatty liver disease, caused by heavy sustained alcohol use. Within NAFLD, a further distinction is made between simple fatty liver, where fat accumulates without significant inflammation, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more serious subtype involving inflammation and liver cell damage that can progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis.

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