Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) — Causes & Treatment in Lucknow
Fatty liver disease — a build-up of fat in the liver — has become extremely common, closely linked to excess weight, type-2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. It is usually silent, found incidentally on a scan or blood test, but in some people it can progress to liver inflammation and scarring over many years, so it is worth taking seriously.
Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma advises patients in Lucknow on fatty liver as part of a metabolic-health approach, including, for selected patients, the role of weight-loss surgery.
What is fatty liver disease?
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is excess fat stored in liver cells, not caused by alcohol. In many people it remains stable and harmless. In a proportion, it leads to inflammation (steatohepatitis) and, over years, to scarring (fibrosis) — which is why it is monitored, particularly in those with diabetes or significant obesity.
The encouraging news is that fatty liver is largely reversible by addressing its causes, especially weight.
Symptoms to watch for
- Usually none — most fatty liver is silent
- Sometimes vague tiredness or discomfort in the upper-right abdomen
- Often discovered on an ultrasound or routine liver blood tests
- Associated obesity, type-2 diabetes or abnormal cholesterol
Causes & risk factors
- Excess body weight, particularly around the abdomen
- Type-2 diabetes and insulin resistance
- High cholesterol and triglycerides
- A diet high in refined carbohydrate and sugar, and inactivity
How it is diagnosed
- Ultrasound — commonly shows a 'fatty' (bright) liver
- Liver function blood tests
- FibroScan or other tests to assess for inflammation and scarring
- Occasionally further specialist liver assessment
How fatty liver is treated
Treatment centres on tackling the causes: gradual weight loss, a healthier diet, regular activity, and good control of diabetes and cholesterol. Even modest, sustained weight loss can significantly reduce liver fat and inflammation.
For patients with significant obesity who also have fatty liver, weight-loss (bariatric) surgery can lead to substantial improvement in the liver alongside weight loss and better diabetes control. As a GI and HPB surgeon, Dr Verma can advise where surgery has a role and ensure the liver is properly assessed.
When to see a GI surgeon
- A scan or blood test suggesting fatty liver, especially with diabetes or obesity
- Abnormal liver blood tests on routine check-up
- A wish to address weight and metabolic health comprehensively
Fatty Liver (NAFLD): common questions
Is fatty liver dangerous?
In most people fatty liver remains stable and harmless. In a proportion, however, it can progress over years to liver inflammation and scarring, particularly with diabetes or significant obesity. The good news is that it is largely reversible by addressing its causes — especially weight — which is why assessment and lifestyle change are worthwhile.
Can weight-loss surgery improve fatty liver?
Yes — for patients with significant obesity, bariatric surgery often leads to substantial improvement in fatty liver, alongside weight loss and better control of diabetes. Whether surgery is appropriate depends on a full assessment of your overall health.
Concerned about fatty liver (nafld)?
Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma offers clear assessment and expert treatment. Book a consultation for personalised advice.