Fatty Liver

Obesity and Fatty Liver (MASLD/MASH)

About 3 out of 4 people with obesity worldwide also have Fatty Liver (MASLD)—and about 1 out of 3 people with obesity also has Liver Fibrosis (MASH).

Obesity and fatty liver are interconnected. Obesity can induce an inflammatory response in fat tissue, leading to increased fat buildup, inflammation, insulin resistance, and fibrosis in the liver, leading to fatty liver and fibrosis of liver.

Obesity and fatty liver each contribute to serious cardiometabolic risks, including Cardiovascular disease and type 2 Diabetes.

3 out of 5 adults in the United States are expected to live with obesity by 2050

This underscores the need for greater awareness.

Obesity is a serious, chronic, progressive disease that results from abnormal or excessive fat accumulation.

Obesity is associated with many comorbidities including:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
• Metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and liver disease
• Cancer
• Kidney failure

Obesity can also contribute to sleep apnea and depression.

Obesity contributes to increased risk of morbidity (disease) and mortality (death). Severe obesity has the potential to reduce life expectancy by years.

Screen early to diagnose people living with obesity and initiate timely care when appropriate to help reduce the risks.

GET A LIVER ASSESSMENT WITH LIVER ULTRASOUND

Velacur is an ultrasound imaging tool that is used to diagnose fatty liver disease.

Early diagnosis is key to reversing progression

Why is early detection important?

Fatty liver disease is considered a silent epidemic because typically there are no noticeable symptoms, which can lead to underdiagnosis. With early detection and intervention fatty liver disease can be halted or even reversed. Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a nutritious diet and exercising, can greatly improve your liver health.

What is Fatty Liver Disease?

Fatty liver disease results from an excess amount of fat in the liver. Usually a small amount of fat isn’t problematic, but for 20% of those with fatty liver, the condition worsens and leads to inflammation in the liver known as steatohepatitis. This inflammation can further turn into scar tissue, a process called fibrosis. When scar tissue extensively replaces healthy tissue and impairs liver function, cirrhosis occurs which can lead to liver failure or cancer. Early diagnosis is key to reversing progression.

What are the symptoms to watch for?

While fatty liver disease may not present obvious symptoms, there are signs to be aware of, including fatigue, unexplained weight loss, nausea, and abdominal pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult your physician. If you have type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, or metabolic disease, you may be at higher risk for fatty liver disease and should discuss screening with your doctor.