NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease) occurs when excess fat builds up in your liver cells without significant alcohol use. It can range from simple steatosis (fat accumulation) to NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), which carries a higher risk of fibrosis and cirrhosis. Early detection and intervention can help prevent long-term liver damage.
In early stages, NAFLD often causes no noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, you may experience:
NAFLD develops when your liver stores more fat than it can burn. Key contributing factors include:
At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, we combine patient-centered compassion with the latest in liver disease diagnostics and treatment. Our team of specialized gastroenterologists offers:
Don't let fatty liver disease progress-take control of your liver health today. Book your appointment now and start your journey toward a healthier liver with GastroDoxs!
We've successfully treated more than 24K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Experts now often refer to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) as MAFLD, which stands for Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease, to better reflect its link with metabolic risk factors.
Yes. Early NAFLD can often be reversed with sustained lifestyle changes-especially weight loss, a healthy diet, and regular exercise-along with medical support from a gastroenterologist.
Key blood tests include liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT), a lipid panel to check cholesterol and triglycerides, and glucose assessments such as fasting blood sugar or HbA1c.
While both begin with lifestyle interventions, NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) often requires closer monitoring-such as imaging or FibroScan-and may involve participation in medication trials or advanced therapies.
A Mediterranean-style diet-rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and low in added sugars and refined carbohydrates-is recommended to reduce liver fat and improve overall metabolic health.
Consult a gastroenterologist if you have risk factors like obesity, type 2 diabetes, high triglycerides, or if routine blood work reveals elevated liver enzymes.
Contact GastroDoxs to schedule an appointment with our liver health experts in Jersey Village for comprehensive evaluation, testing, and personalized treatment planning.
Effective changes include achieving 7-10% weight loss, following a balanced Mediterranean-style diet, engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, and avoiding sugary drinks and processed foods.
Currently, no drugs are specifically approved for NAFLD, but there are ongoing clinical trials targeting NASH. Your gastroenterologist can discuss whether you're a candidate for any research studies or off-label therapies.
Follow-up blood work and imaging are typically recommended every 6-12 months, depending on your disease stage, risk factors, and response to treatment.
