Fatty Liver Disease: Stages & Progression
Fatty liver disease is not a single condition — it progresses through four stages, each
requiring a different level of care. Identifying your stage early is critical to
achieving the best outcome.
| Stage |
Condition |
Outlook |
Action |
| Stage 1 |
Simple Fat Accumulation (Steatosis) |
Fully Reversible |
Lifestyle & medical management |
| Stage 2 |
Liver Inflammation (NASH/MASH) |
Largely Reversible |
Lifestyle & medical management |
| Stage 3 |
Liver Fibrosis (Scarring) |
Partially Manageable |
Specialist care required |
| Stage 4 |
Liver Cirrhosis |
Not Reversible |
Transplant evaluation needed |
At liversurgeons.com, we use advanced diagnostic tools including
FibroScan, MRI elastography, and Liver
biopsy to accurately determine your stage and design the most effective
treatment plan.
Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease is often called the "silent disease" because most
patients have no symptoms in the early stages. This is why proactive screening is so
important — especially if you have risk factors.
Early Stage Symptoms
- None in most cases
- Some may notice:
- Mild fatigue or low energy
- Vague upper right abdominal discomfort
- Nausea after oily meals
Advanced Stage Symptoms
Seek immediate specialist care if you notice:
- Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
- Abdominal swelling or bloating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Leg swelling or easy bruising
Who Is at Risk? Common Causes in India
Fatty liver disease is closely linked to modern Indian lifestyle patterns. You may be at
higher risk if you:
- Are overweight or obese, especially with excess belly fat
- Have type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance
- Follow a diet high in refined carbohydrates, sugar, or fried foods (maida, mithai, packaged snacks)
- Lead a sedentary lifestyle with little physical activity
- Have high cholesterol or triglycerides
- Consume alcohol regularly
- Have a family history of liver disease or metabolic conditions
- Have PCOS, hypothyroidism, or other metabolic disorders
Even people who are not overweight can develop fatty liver — a
condition known as "lean NAFLD," which is more prevalent in South Asia
than in Western populations.
How We Diagnose Fatty Liver at Liversurgeons.com
Accurate diagnosis and staging are the foundation of effective treatment. Our team uses
a comprehensive, multi-modal diagnostic approach:
-
Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
Blood tests that measure liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST, GGT) to detect inflammation
and liver stress. These are typically the first indicator of a liver problem.
-
Abdominal Ultrasound
A non-invasive imaging test that detects fat deposits in the liver. Quick, painless,
and widely available — and often the first test to flag fatty liver.
-
FibroScan & Liver Elastography
A specialised, needle-free test that measures liver stiffness to accurately assess
the degree of fibrosis (scarring). This is one of the most valuable tools for
staging fatty liver without invasive procedures.
-
Advanced MRI / CT Imaging
MRI-PDFF precisely quantifies liver fat percentage and is used in complex or
advanced cases where detailed imaging is needed.
-
Liver Biopsy
The gold standard for definitive diagnosis, particularly for distinguishing between
simple steatosis and NASH/MASH. Recommended when non-invasive tests are inconclusive
or when staging accuracy is critical.
Our Fatty Liver Treatment Approach
Treatment at liversurgeons.com is never one-size-fits-all. Dr. Ashish George creates a
personalised plan based on your specific stage, underlying conditions, and overall
health goals.
Stage 1 & 2: Lifestyle & Medical Management
- Structured weight management programme — losing 7-10% of body weight can
dramatically reduce liver fat
- Personalised Indian diet plan — eliminating triggers and introducing
liver-protective foods
- Exercise prescription — tailored to your fitness level and health conditions
- Blood sugar and cholesterol management
- Complete alcohol cessation guidance and support
- Targeted medications to address inflammation and underlying metabolic conditions
Stage 3: Specialist Medical Care & Monitoring
- Advanced antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory medications
- Regular FibroScan monitoring to track fibrosis progression or regression
- Management of complications such as portal hypertension
- Liver cancer screening every 6 months (ultrasound + AFP blood test)
- Nutritional and lifestyle counselling with our specialist dietitian
Stage 4: Advanced Surgical Care & Liver Transplant
- Comprehensive cirrhosis management — managing ascites, variceal bleeding, and
hepatic encephalopathy
- Liver transplant evaluation — Dr. George has performed over 1,000 successful liver
transplants
- Living donor and deceased donor liver transplant programmes
- Post-transplant care, immunosuppressive therapy, and long-term surveillance
Why Patients Choose Dr. Ashish George for Fatty Liver Treatment
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Dedicated Liver Specialist
Dr. Ashish George specialises exclusively in liver & HPB
conditions — not a generalist.
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Advanced Non-Invasive Diagnostics
FibroScan, MRI elastography & liver biopsy for precise staging.
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State-of-the-Art Facility
Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh — with a dedicated Liver ICU
& hybrid OTs.
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Personalised Treatment Plans
Every patient receives a tailored plan — no one-size-fits-all
approach.
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Affordable & Transparent Pricing
Competitive pricing with clear communication on costs at every
stage.
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Treating Patients Across India & Abroad
Patients from across India and internationally choose us for complex
cases.
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