Understanding Fatty Liver Disease

This information was developed by the Publications Committee of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE). For more information about ASGE, visit www.asge.org.

This information is intended only to provide general guidance. It does not provide definitive medical advice. It is important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.

Fatty liver disease is the fastest-growing segment of chronic liver disease. It is estimated that more than one in three adults suffer from Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease aka. MASLD (previously non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD)1. With early detection and intervention fatty liver disease can be halted or even reversed.

About Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease is caused by an excess amount of fat in the liver. Usually a small amount of excess fat isn’t problematic, but for about 20% of those with fatty liver, the condition gradually progresses and leads to inflammation in the liver. This is known as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis, MASH (previously non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH). Inflammation in the liver can cause scar tissue build up, a process called fibrosis. When scar tissue extensively replaces healthy tissue and impairs liver function, cirrhosis occurs which dramatically increases the chances of liver failure or cancer.

Symptoms and Risk Factors

Fatty liver disease often has no noticeable symptoms, some subtle signs include fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain. If you have type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, or other metabolic diseases, you may be at higher risk for fatty liver disease.

The Need for Early Detection

With early detection and intervention, fatty liver disease can be halted or even reversed. Fatty liver disease is considered a silent epidemic because typically there are no noticeable symptoms, which can lead to underdiagnosis. Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a nutritious diet and exercising, can greatly improve your liver health. Progress continues to be made in developing therapeutics to treat fatty liver disease. Speak to your doctor about treatment options.

Learn More about Fatty Liver Disease and Treatment

PATIENT FORMS

OFFICE HOURS

Patient Education – Procedures

About Colonoscopy

Ensuring the Safety of Your Endoscopic Procedure

Bowel Preparation

Capsule Endoscopy

Colon Cancer Screening

ERCP

Esophageal Dilation

Esophageal Testing or Manometry

Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS)

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)

Therapeutic ERCP

Upper Endoscopy

Velacur Liver Ultrasound

Patient Education – Conditions

Crohn’s Disease

Barrett’s Esophagus

Diverticulosis

Fatty Liver Disease

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D)

Minor Rectal Bleeding

Colon Polyps and Their Treatment

Ulcerative Colitis

Important Reminder: This information is intended only to provide general guidance. It does not provide definitive medical advice. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.

Since its found­­ing in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with more than 11,000 members worldwide, promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters endoscopic research, and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education.

This patient education brochure was developed by the Publications Committee of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. This information is the opinion of and provided by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

www.asge.org and www.screen4coloncancer.org