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Language : English 中文 Tiếng Việt 日本 Bahasa

Fatty Liver

Fatty Liver
Fatty Liver

Dr Lee Ser Yee
Senior Consultant Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Surgery), MSc (Research), FAMS

Fatty liver also known as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which fat builds up in your liver that is not caused by drinking alcohol. This can lead to inflammation and damage to the liver called Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH).

While excessive alcohol can lead to fatty liver (Alcohol-Related Fatty Liver Disease), in many cases it does not play a role.

WHAT CAUSES FATTY LIVER?

It is associated with obesity and a lack of exercise. It forms part of a metabolic syndrome that includes diabetes mellitus, obesity, high cholesterol and hypertension – all of which increases the risk of cardiovascular events such as a heart attack or stroke.

How do I know if I have it?

Most people with fatty liver disease do not know they have it. There are usually no symptoms till late. Your doctor can do tests to check your liver’s health.

  • Blood test- e.g. Liver function test, Lipid panel, Hepatitis panel, Diabetes panel
  • Radiology - e.g. US, CT, MRI, Fibroscan, Magnetic resonance elastography
  • Liver biopsy – if indicated
What Are the Treatments for Fatty Liver?

It is treated with a healthy balanced diet, regular exercise, and weight loss. Weight loss surgery may be helpful in more severe cases.

Can Fatty Liver Be Prevented?

Exercising regularly and keeping a healthy weight are important. Your doctor may recommend screening for hepatitis and vaccination against hepatitis A and B. Limitation of alcohol intake is important as well.

What Else Should I Know About Fatty Liver?

Most people with fatty liver will not get chronic liver disease (fibrosis or cirrhosis) if the condition is mild or well- controlled. Fatty liver in its early phases can be reversed with simple lifestyle changes such as healthy diet and regular exercise. However, if it progresses or worsens, it can lead to more serious problems such as liver damage and increased risk of liver cancer.

Seek a liver doctor early to learn more.

Tips to prevent or reverse fatty liver

  • If you are overweight or obese, reduce and limit the number of calories you eat each day.
  • If you have tried to lose weight in the past and have been unsuccessful, ask your doctor for help.

  • Eat a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

  • Aim for at least 20-30 minutes of exercise at least 3 times a week. Choose an activity that is enjoyable and sustainable. Also, remember any exercise is better than none.

  • Follow your doctor's instructions to keep control of your diabetes. Take your medications as directed and monitor your blood sugar closely.

  • A healthy plant-based diet, exercise and medications if required can help keep your cholesterol and your triglycerides at healthy levels.

  • Avoid extra stress on your liver such as alcohol and herbal remedies.

“Fatty liver is often under-diagnosed in the community. Fortunately, in its early phases fatty liver can be reversed with simple lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise - this is the best and easiest way to improve our liver health.”

Male General Surgeon
Singapore male Surgeon
Dr Lee Ser Yee

Senior Consultant Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgeon

MBBS, MMed (Surgery), MSc, FAMS, FRCSEd

Dr Lee Ser Yee is a Senior Consultant Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgeon with extensive experience in liver, pancreas and complex digestive conditions. Prior to private practice, he was a founding member and Senior Consultant at the Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery at Singapore General Hospital, where he also served as Director of the Laparoscopic Programme and Director of the Surgical Skills Training Programme. He further distinguished his training through dual fellowships in Advanced Laparoscopic HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center, as well as Complex Surgical Oncology training at the internationally recognised Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
#08-07, 3 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 228510
Tel: 6454 0054 | Fax: 6764 0054 | Email: ask@surgicalassociates.sg

Gleneagles Medical Centre
#05-01, 6 Napier Road, Singapore 258499
Tel: 6471 0054 | Fax: 6271 0054

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