Posted By Author on October 9, 2025
Fatty liver disease is one of the most common liver conditions in the United States, yet many people don’t realize they have it until it progresses. This condition occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver and is often linked to lifestyle factors such as diet, weight, and alcohol use. While it can sometimes cause little to no symptoms in its early stages, untreated fatty liver disease may lead to more serious liver complications over time.
At Charleston GI in Charleston, SC, our gastroenterology specialists are committed to helping patients understand their digestive health and take proactive steps toward treatment and prevention. In this blog, we’ll break down the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for fatty liver disease so you can protect your liver and overall well-being.
What is Fatty Liver Disease?
Your liver, the largest internal organ, plays a crucial role in digestion, energy storage, and detoxification. One of our leading gastroenterologists, Nathan Shores, MD, discusses the intricacies of fatty liver disease in a recent HealthLinks article, stating, “Fatty liver is essentially the buildup of fat in the liver, which normally has little to no fat at all. When it becomes infiltrated with fat, the liver takes on a yellow, greasy appearance, and that can be the catalyst for more serious health problems.”
This condition presents in two primary forms: nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease, also known as alcoholic steatohepatitis.
NAFLD, a form of fatty liver disease unrelated to heavy alcohol use, manifests in two primary types:
- Simple fatty liver: This condition involves the presence of fat in the liver with minimal to no inflammation or damage to liver cells. It typically does not progress to cause significant liver damage or complications.
- Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): In addition to fat in the liver, NASH is characterized by inflammation and damage to liver cells. This can lead to fibrosis (scarring) of the liver and may advance to more severe conditions like cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Heavy alcohol use is the cause of alcoholic fatty liver disease. While your liver is designed to break down most of the alcohol you drink, this process can produce harmful substances. These substances can damage liver cells, trigger inflammation, and compromise your body’s natural defenses.
Symptoms & Diagnosis of Fatty Liver
NAFLD is now the most common liver disease, impacting approximately 38% of the U.S. population. Its prevalence has surged by over 50% in the last three decades. The American Liver Foundation estimates that around 100 million American adults, or about 25% of the population, have NAFLD. Research also indicates a growing trend of the disease affecting younger adults aged 18 to 30.
Symptoms can be minimal, causing most people not to notice any signs of early liver disease. This makes getting screenings even more important. The earlier the disease or liver damage is detected, the greater the opportunity to stop, slow, and in some cases, reverse the damage.
In the article, Nathan Shores, MD, explains, “Most people find out they have fatty liver after routine blood work shows mildly abnormal liver function in tests like AST or ALT levels,” Dr. Shores said. “Sometimes it’s discovered by accident during an ultrasound for abdominal pain or gallbladder issues.”
Treatment Options for Fatty Liver
The effects of fatty liver disease are often reversible, especially when caught early. While there are no medications approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration to treat this disease, making lifestyle changes can help prevent, slow down, and in some cases reverse liver damage.
Our own, Nathan Shores, MD, explains, “Weight loss is still the most effective treatment,” Dr. Shores adds. “In some cases, weight loss surgery may be appropriate.” Adopting a healthy diet can aid in weight management, which in turn helps reduce liver damage. Regular physical activity, even without significant weight loss, has been shown to benefit the liver and other organs greatly.
Take Charge of Your Liver Health with Charleston GI
Fatty liver disease may be common, but with the right knowledge, lifestyle changes, and medical support, it can often be managed – and in some cases, reversed.
Scheduling annual physicals and routine doctor visits to stay on top of your health, including testing blood sugar, blood pressure, and liver enzyme levels, is key. Early detection of health issues is crucial to slow or halt disease progression before irreversible damage occurs.
At Charleston GI in Charleston, SC, our board-certified gastroenterologists are dedicated to helping patients understand and manage conditions like fatty liver disease. If you’re concerned about your liver health or experiencing digestive issues, don’t wait – schedule an appointment with Charleston GI today and take the first step toward a healthier future.
