Fatty liver disease, also known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is a condition where fat accumulates in the liver. This buildup can occur due to factors such as excess body weight, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.
Dr. Matthew Mishoe, a gastroenterologist with Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah, explains that fatty liver disease does not only affect people who are overweight or those who consume alcohol. “I’ve had patients that don’t weigh 100 pounds and they’ve never had a drink of alcohol in their life, yet they have cirrhosis because of an undiagnosed fatty liver,” says Dr. Mishoe. “I’ve also seen people who meet criteria for obesity, and they don’t have fatty liver disease.”
The liver acts as a filter for the body. When it cannot process all the accumulated fat, inflammation may result. If left untreated, this inflammation can cause scarring known as cirrhosis. Dr. Mishoe emphasizes early detection: “It’s very important to figure out what’s going on early,” he says. “If we can find a way to eliminate the fatty accumulation within the liver, the liver can get better. When you get to the point of chronic scarring or cirrhosis, you are never going to get back to that 18-year-old liver you had.”
There are often no clear warning signs for fatty liver disease. However, certain risk factors increase its likelihood:
– Excess weight or abdominal fat
– High cholesterol or triglycerides
– Type 2 diabetes
– High blood pressure
Dr. Mishoe notes that diagnosis is frequently incidental; it may be discovered during imaging tests like ultrasounds or MRIs conducted for other reasons. Routine lab work showing elevated liver-related numbers can also indicate the presence of fatty liver disease.
“There are a lot of physicians that are keeping their eye out for elevated liver numbers now because it is becoming such a problem,” Dr. Mishoe says. “Fatty liver disease is the No. 1 cause of chronic liver disease, and it’s very common in America and other countries.”
Treatment often involves diet and exercise aimed at reducing weight if appropriate; however, even individuals without excess weight benefit from regular physical activity according to Dr. Mishoe’s advice. Certain medications may also help manage the condition.
For those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, managing these issues alongside prescribed medication remains important.
“Just like most things in medicine, if we can figure out what’s going on early and get it treated early, then you can help eliminate some of the chronic issues that could arise,” Dr. Mishoe adds.
St. Joseph’s/Candler provides community health outreach programs addressing local needs through facilities such as St. Joseph’s Hospital and Candler Hospital (official website). The organization has received recognition for nursing excellence through Magnet status (official website) and offers specialized services including cancer care and advanced surgical options (official website). St. Joseph’s/Candler extends its healthcare services across more than 30 counties in southeast Georgia and South Carolina Lowcountry (official website), focusing on compassionate care guided by faith (official website).
Dr. Mishoe also diagnoses and treats conditions related to other digestive organs such as the colon, esophagus, and stomach.
