Fatty Liver Disease — Diagnosis & Treatment in Okeechobee, FL
Fatty liver disease is a condition in which excess fat builds up inside the liver’s cells. It is now known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a name that reflects its close link with metabolic health. Many people have fatty liver without knowing it, because it often causes no symptoms at all at first. It is one of the most common liver problems in the United States, and it is closely tied to obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Left unchecked, fatty liver can progress over years from simple fat buildup to inflammation, scarring, and in some cases cirrhosis or liver cancer — which is why finding it early and monitoring it matters.
Symptoms
Most people with early fatty liver disease feel fine, which is why it is so often discovered by chance — through routine blood work or an imaging test done for another reason. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Fatigue or a general feeling of being run down
- A dull ache or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen, where the liver sits
- Unexplained weight changes or difficulty losing weight
- As the liver becomes more damaged: swelling in the legs or abdomen, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or confusion
Causes and risk factors
Fatty liver develops when the liver stores more fat than it can process. The biggest risk factors are part of the metabolic syndrome picture: excess body weight, especially around the waist; type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance; high triglycerides or cholesterol; and high blood pressure. A diet high in processed foods and sugary drinks, a sedentary lifestyle, and rapid weight loss can all contribute. Drinking alcohol can also cause a similar fat buildup, known as alcohol-related liver disease, and alcohol can worsen MASLD. Some medicines and genetic factors can raise the risk as well. Because these risk factors are common, fatty liver is often found in people who are already being treated for diabetes or heart-related conditions.
How we diagnose it at Gastro in Florida
Diagnosis usually starts with blood tests that check liver enzymes, cholesterol, and blood sugar, along with a review of your medical history and medicines. Imaging such as ultrasound can show fat in the liver. At Gastro in Florida, we also offer FibroScan on site — a painless, non-invasive test that uses ultrasound-based technology to measure both the amount of fat in the liver and how stiff the liver has become, which reflects scarring. In some cases, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can give a closer look at the liver and nearby structures when a more detailed evaluation is needed. You can also browse our full list of conditions we treat. A liver biopsy is sometimes used, but often FibroScan and lab monitoring are enough to follow the condition over time.
Treatment options
There is no single medicine that cures fatty liver disease, and treatment focuses on the underlying metabolic causes. The most effective steps are gradual, sustained weight loss through a balanced diet and regular physical activity; controlling blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure; and avoiding alcohol. Your doctor may review your medicines, since some can affect the liver. For many patients, these lifestyle and metabolic measures can reduce liver fat and even reverse early scarring. If the disease has advanced, we coordinate further liver care and monitor you closely with repeat FibroScan testing and labs to track progress.
When to see a specialist
See a gastroenterologist if routine blood tests show abnormal liver enzymes, imaging has shown fat in your liver, or you have diabetes, obesity, or other metabolic risk factors and want your liver checked. Seek urgent care right away if you vomit blood, pass black stools, develop sudden severe abdominal pain, notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, or experience confusion — these can signal advanced liver disease or bleeding and need prompt attention. Early evaluation gives you the best chance of keeping fatty liver from progressing.
Related conditions: Hepatitis, Cirrhosis
For fatty liver evaluation and FibroScan testing, call Gastro in Florida at (863) 824-3447 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Vikram Tarugu in Okeechobee.
Patients from Sebring, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Lake Placid, Avon Park, Stuart, and Wellington travel to our Okeechobee office for gastroenterology care — call (863) 824-3447 to schedule your visit.