Fatty Liver and MASH-MASLD in Atlanta, Georgia

Diagnosis of MASH & MASLD: What You Need to Know in Atlanta

Fatty liver disease, along with conditions like MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis) and MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), affects millions of people worldwide. While often silent at first, these conditions can lead to serious liver damage if left untreated.

At GI Specialists of Georgia, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care, utilizing advanced diagnostics like FibroScan and ultrasound-guided liver biopsy, as well as offering tailored treatments to support liver health. Whether you are looking for answers or solutions in Atlanta, GA, we are here to help.

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Illustration Showing Fatty Liver Disease, Related to MASH & MASLD, in a Human Body in Atlanta, GA

What Is Fatty Liver Disease?

A healthy liver contains some fat, but too much can cause inflammation and scarring. Fatty liver disease happens when excess fat builds up in your liver. This can occur due to several reasons, including obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol. There are two main types:

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) – Not linked to alcohol use. Often related to weight or metabolic issues.
Alcohol-Related Fatty Liver Disease (ARFLD) – Caused by heavy alcohol consumption.

Metabolic Issues Contributing to MASH & MASLD

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is often related to metabolic issues. Metabolic issues refer to problems or disorders related to the body's metabolism or the processes your body uses to convert food and drink into energy. These issues often involve how your body handles nutrients like glucose (sugar), fats, and proteins, as well as the hormones and enzymes that regulate these processes.

Insulin Resistance – When your body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. This is a key factor in type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Obesity – Excess body fat can disrupt normal metabolic functions, increasing the risk of conditions like fatty liver disease and diabetes.

High Cholesterol or Dyslipidemia – Abnormal levels of fats in the blood, such as high LDL ("bad cholesterol") or triglycerides.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – Often linked to other metabolic issues, like obesity and insulin resistance.

What Is MASH and MASLD?

Our health topics go into more detail on different GI issues. MASLD and MASH are newer terms used to classify certain fatty liver conditions. Here is an overview of each:

MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease) – This term emphasizes how metabolic health issues, like insulin resistance or obesity, cause fat buildup in the liver.
MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis) – A more severe form of MASLD, where fat in the liver leads to inflammation and damage. Without treatment, it can progress to scarring (fibrosis) and even cirrhosis.

Symptoms and Complications

Fatty liver disease, MASLD, and MASH often have no symptoms in their early stages, making routine check-ups crucial. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

Fatigue or feeling unusually tired
Pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen
Weakness
Unexplained weight loss

If left untreated, these conditions can cause:

Liver Fibrosis – Scarring of the liver tissue.
Cirrhosis – Permanent and severe liver damage that can lead to liver failure.
Liver Cancer – Increased risk of developing liver cancer.
Heart Problems – MASLD is linked to higher chances of cardiovascular disease.

Preventing and Managing Fatty Liver Disease

The good news is that many cases of fatty liver, MASLD, and MASH can be managed or even reversed with simple lifestyle changes. Our GI services can help, but there are some other steps you can take in the meantime. Such as:

Eat a Healthy Diet – Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Avoid sugary drinks, fried foods, and excessive fats.
Exercise Regularly – Just 30 minutes of moderate activity (like walking or biking) most days of the week can make a big difference.
Lose Weight – Losing even 5-10% of your body weight can help reduce liver fat.
Avoid Alcohol – Limit or eliminate alcohol to give your liver a break.
Control Medical Conditions – Keep diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure in check with the help of your primary care doctor.

FibroScan: Advanced Diagnosis Made Simple

We use FibroScan, a painless, non-invasive test, to evaluate liver health. FibroScan testing is a quick and reliable alternative to liver biopsy, giving us the information we need to create a customized treatment plan for you. It measures:

Liver Stiffness – To detect scarring (fibrosis).
Fat Levels – To identify fatty liver disease and assess severity.

Treatment Options at GI Specialists of Georgia

We offer a range of treatments to address fatty liver disease, MASLD, and MASH, including:

Lifestyle Guidance – Our specialists work with you to develop realistic diet and exercise goals. You may be referred to a dietitian or Wellness program.
Medication Management – When necessary, we recommend treatments to manage underlying conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol.
Regular Monitoring – Using tools like FibroScan, we track your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Why Choose GI Specialists of Georgia?

When it comes to liver health, you deserve the best care available. Here’s why patients in Atlanta, GA, trust GI Specialists of Georgia:

Expertise in diagnosing and managing fatty liver disease, MASLD, and MASH.
Access to advanced tools like FibroScan for precise evaluations.
Personalized care plans tailored to your lifestyle and needs.
A compassionate team dedicated to improving your health and well-being.

Take Control of Your Liver Health Today

If you are concerned about fatty liver disease, MASLD, or MASH, don’t wait to get help. At GI Specialists of Georgia, we are committed to providing you with the answers and care you need to protect your liver and improve your overall health. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.