Fatty liver disease occurs when more than 5% of the liver's weight is composed of fat, without any accompanying inflammation or scarring. Over time, however, additional accumulation of fat within the liver causes inflammation, and ultimately, irreversible damage.
Your liver plays a crucial role in processing nutrients, metabolizing medications, and removing toxins from your bloodstream. Excessive fat in the liver can lead to a fatty deposition, called hepatic steatosis, which can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and, ultimately, liver failure.
The number one cause of liver failure in the United States is due to metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. At Apex Weight Solutions, we prescribe medications such as Tirzepatide, which has recently been shown to improve hepatic steatosis and may also reverse fibrosis.
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There are two main types of fatty liver disease.
Both AFLD and MAFLD share similar signs and symptoms. Fatty liver disease often advances without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:
Fatty liver disease can result from various factors and conditions. Primary causes associated with this condition include the following.
Excess alcohol intake damages the liver. Your liver breaks down the alcohol you drink to remove it from your body. The process of breaking alcohol down can generate harmful and toxic substances. This can damage your liver cells and cause liver inflammation.
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol also alters metabolic processes in the liver, leading to the formation of fats that accumulate in liver cells.
If you do not consume large amounts of alcohol, the cause of fatty liver disease can be more complex.
Metabolic dysregulation that contributes to conditions such as excess weight, type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance can damage the liver. This damage can result in inflammation, fibrosis, and eventual cirrhosis.
Weight gain plays a pivotal role in the development of fatty liver disease. When you consume more calories than your body requires, the excess calories are stored as fat. This surplus of fat makes its way to the liver.
When the liver receives more fat than it can process, it begins to store this excess fat within and around the liver. Fatty buildup in the liver can trigger chronic liver inflammation and, over time, result in long-term liver damage.
Additionally, excessive weight gain is also closely associated with other risk factors for fatty liver disease, including insulin resistance, diabetes, and high cholesterol. These factors often coexist and reinforce each other, creating a cycle that contributes to the progression of liver disease.
Diagnosing fatty liver disease involves a combination of tests to accurately assess the condition and determine the extent of liver damage. At Apex Weight Solutions, we offer comprehensive diagnostic services to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
The diagnostic process may include:
In some cases, additional tests, such as liver biopsy, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Treating fatty liver disease focuses on reducing the excessive fatty composition of the liver, managing underlying conditions, and preventing long-term liver damage. In many cases, a combination of lifestyle changes and addressing underlying factors can help prevent or mitigate the progression of fatty liver disease.
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is beneficial for reducing the deposition of excess fat accumulation within the liver and improving liver function. Losing excessive weight can especially help address MAFLD.
At Apex Weight Solutions, we provide prescription weight loss medications along with guidance on lifestyle and behavior changes to address excess weight.
Making changes to your food choices can have a big impact on your weight and liver health. A balanced approach to nutrition can help stabilize your blood sugar and reduce insulin resistance, which are common risk factors in fatty liver disease.
It is also important to avoid sugary foods, saturated fats, and processed foods. We offer nutritional counseling to create personalized plans to help you lose weight and reverse fatty liver disease.
Engaging in regular physical activity can expend excess calories, reduce fatty deposits within the liver, and improve insulin sensitivity. These effects can be very beneficial for addressing fatty liver disease and weight loss.
We provide counseling to help you integrate physical movement into your daily routine.
Resmetirom (RezdiffraTM - brand name) is a new FDA-approved medication used to treat patients struggling with MAFLD. It works to decrease fat accumulation within liver cells.
Recent studies have also shown Tirzepatide to be effective in improving metabolic dysfunction in patients struggling with MAFLD, as well as potentially reversing fibrosis.
At Apex Weight Solutions, we offer a range of services tailored to manage and treat fatty liver disease. Our team works with you to create a personalized treatment plan that suits your unique lifestyle and health needs.
We look forward to assisting you on your journey to better health. To schedule your consultation, request an appointment online or call us at 708-797-3541.
