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Hi Euna
Currently there are no good medications that can treat specifically fatty liver (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD; non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH) which are approved by FDA.
As you rightly pointed out, fatty liver is a complication of obesity. Fatty liver is related to diabetes . So any kind of weight loss, be it by lifestyle modification, medications or bariatric surgery, will always reduce liver fat and improve NAFLD.
The latest medication which is oral GLP-1 agonist (semaglutide) is FDA approved for weight loss. It is still relatively new so may not be available in your country yet.
Currently there are no good medications that can treat specifically fatty liver (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD; non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH) which are approved by FDA.
As you rightly pointed out, fatty liver is a complication of obesity. Fatty liver is related to diabetes . So any kind of weight loss, be it by lifestyle modification, medications or bariatric surgery, will always reduce liver fat and improve NAFLD.
The latest medication which is oral GLP-1 agonist (semaglutide) is FDA approved for weight loss. It is still relatively new so may not be available in your country yet.
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Hi Young-Friesen
Thanks for the question. The ideal diet would be choosing foods that have low glycemic index such as whole grain, vegetables and fruits. Avoid the carbohydrate loading that high glycemic index such as white rice, white bread, and as previously mentioned the foods /drinks with high sugar contents. Furthermore, high calorie deep fried foods may not help. Other than choosing hte right foods, make sure you stick with good lifestyle habits - don't eat too fast, avoid late night supper, don't skip breakfast (There are research studies out there that have shown these lifestyle habits increases the risk of fatty liver )
Exercises I would recommend consistent cardio exercises about 30-45mins about 2-3 x per week. Sometimes, in the elderly or those with physical issues (knee arthritis), I would suggest regular walking or swimming.
Thanks for the question. The ideal diet would be choosing foods that have low glycemic index such as whole grain, vegetables and fruits. Avoid the carbohydrate loading that high glycemic index such as white rice, white bread, and as previously mentioned the foods /drinks with high sugar contents. Furthermore, high calorie deep fried foods may not help. Other than choosing hte right foods, make sure you stick with good lifestyle habits - don't eat too fast, avoid late night supper, don't skip breakfast (There are research studies out there that have shown these lifestyle habits increases the risk of fatty liver )
Exercises I would recommend consistent cardio exercises about 30-45mins about 2-3 x per week. Sometimes, in the elderly or those with physical issues (knee arthritis), I would suggest regular walking or swimming.
0Hi Kerstin,
This is a great question. Many people think those with liver condition such as fatty liver will have symptoms. This is quite the opposite! On the contrary, patients with chronic liver conditions like fatty liver do not have symptoms at all until very late stage where cirrhosis (liver hardening) occurs. Then they may feel fatigue. In more severe cases of liver cirrhosis from NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), patients may develop ascites (fluid collection in the abdomen), muscle wasting, or intestinal bleeding.
For the condition of fatty liver related to obesity - the best way is to reduce obesity and getting back to normal weight.
The lifestyle modification in this era I would say is to avoid ultra-processed foods, foods high in sugar content (such as sugar beverages, candies), avoid overeating, avoid eating too fast, regular exercises (at least 45 mins of cardiovascular workup about 2-3 times a week).
Going outdoors, reduce screen time, avoid late dinner/supper, sleep well, avoid "stress-relief eating".
All these are difficult to achieve, so the treatment plan and lifestyle modification has to be tailored to the individual.
From time to time, drink and enjoy your coffee - coffee is actually good for fatty liver :)
This is a great question. Many people think those with liver condition such as fatty liver will have symptoms. This is quite the opposite! On the contrary, patients with chronic liver conditions like fatty liver do not have symptoms at all until very late stage where cirrhosis (liver hardening) occurs. Then they may feel fatigue. In more severe cases of liver cirrhosis from NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), patients may develop ascites (fluid collection in the abdomen), muscle wasting, or intestinal bleeding.
For the condition of fatty liver related to obesity - the best way is to reduce obesity and getting back to normal weight.
The lifestyle modification in this era I would say is to avoid ultra-processed foods, foods high in sugar content (such as sugar beverages, candies), avoid overeating, avoid eating too fast, regular exercises (at least 45 mins of cardiovascular workup about 2-3 times a week).
Going outdoors, reduce screen time, avoid late dinner/supper, sleep well, avoid "stress-relief eating".
All these are difficult to achieve, so the treatment plan and lifestyle modification has to be tailored to the individual.
From time to time, drink and enjoy your coffee - coffee is actually good for fatty liver :)
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Hi Pa-Kihn
Thanks for the question. I would say there are many medications out there in the market which aims to reduce weight and in term reduces the severity of the fatty liver. You are absolutely right, reducing the amount or severity of liver fat, reduces the risk of progressing to more severe form of fatty liver like cirrhosis.
There are also several drugs in the research pipeline that aims to work on the different pathways of fatty liver to reduce the 'liver fat'. For now, I would say the most effective medications that reduces the degree of fat in the liver are those medications that works for you and can help you lose weight.
GLP-1 agonist for example, works on the appetite pathway as well as reversing the insulin resistance (that will eventually lead to diabetes). So patients on this drug tend to have reduced appetite, reduced intake, and improvement in insulin sensitivity which reduces the amount of the fat in the liver.
If you can lose 7-10% of your body weight, you have a very good chance at reducing the amount of fat in the liver. I always tell my patients lifestyle modification is more important than medications alone, because you carry the lifestyle changes with you for the rest of your life!!
Thanks for the question. I would say there are many medications out there in the market which aims to reduce weight and in term reduces the severity of the fatty liver. You are absolutely right, reducing the amount or severity of liver fat, reduces the risk of progressing to more severe form of fatty liver like cirrhosis.
There are also several drugs in the research pipeline that aims to work on the different pathways of fatty liver to reduce the 'liver fat'. For now, I would say the most effective medications that reduces the degree of fat in the liver are those medications that works for you and can help you lose weight.
GLP-1 agonist for example, works on the appetite pathway as well as reversing the insulin resistance (that will eventually lead to diabetes). So patients on this drug tend to have reduced appetite, reduced intake, and improvement in insulin sensitivity which reduces the amount of the fat in the liver.
If you can lose 7-10% of your body weight, you have a very good chance at reducing the amount of fat in the liver. I always tell my patients lifestyle modification is more important than medications alone, because you carry the lifestyle changes with you for the rest of your life!!
0HI Wilfred
Thanks for the question. In general, a healthy diet and regular exercises can reduce excessive weight gain.
Sometimes people do calorie counting to avoid too much caloric intake. In terms of weight gain, I would mention three areas
1) healthy lifestyle includng diet and exercises
2) medications
3) avoid stress
4) surgery
Thanks for the question. In general, a healthy diet and regular exercises can reduce excessive weight gain.
Sometimes people do calorie counting to avoid too much caloric intake. In terms of weight gain, I would mention three areas
1) healthy lifestyle includng diet and exercises
2) medications
3) avoid stress
4) surgery
0Hi Augustine,
That is a good question. Usually we would recommend patients to avoid sugar-containing beverages such as bubble tea, soda, bottled juice. Excessive alcohol intake can also worsen the fatty liver.
Deep fried foods will need reduce as well. Fatty liver is often associated with diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, gout. So awareness is needed to avoid foods that will worsen these associated conditions as well.
Some studies have suggested coffee is good for fatty liver, whereby those consistently taking coffee have reduced complications and mortality from fatty liver. Whilst coffee is good for you, remember to limit this to <3 cups per day. Of course, I would also suggest to drink coffee without sugar :)
On the side, weight loss is best management plan for fatty liver. Let it be exercises or some form of diet intervention. Weight loss of 7% or more has been shown to reduce liver inflammation from severe fatty liver. Exercise is the best option here because of the added benefits of cardiovascular improvement.
Hope this helps
That is a good question. Usually we would recommend patients to avoid sugar-containing beverages such as bubble tea, soda, bottled juice. Excessive alcohol intake can also worsen the fatty liver.
Deep fried foods will need reduce as well. Fatty liver is often associated with diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, gout. So awareness is needed to avoid foods that will worsen these associated conditions as well.
Some studies have suggested coffee is good for fatty liver, whereby those consistently taking coffee have reduced complications and mortality from fatty liver. Whilst coffee is good for you, remember to limit this to <3 cups per day. Of course, I would also suggest to drink coffee without sugar :)
On the side, weight loss is best management plan for fatty liver. Let it be exercises or some form of diet intervention. Weight loss of 7% or more has been shown to reduce liver inflammation from severe fatty liver. Exercise is the best option here because of the added benefits of cardiovascular improvement.
Hope this helps
0Hi Stephen,
Fatty liver is defined as the accumulation of fat in the liver which is excessive for the normal physiological state. Fatty liver can be due to many causes - most common causes include obesity and alcohol use (usually excessive). In the setting where someone does not drink alcohol or drinks very little alcohol and has fatty liver - the doctors usually termed this as "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease" or NAFLD, in short.
Other causes includes steroid use, hormonal conditions such as hypothyroidism to name a few.
Typically NAFLD is related to increased 'fructose' intake and recent weight gain. Fructose is the common sugar ingredient we find in sugar-containing beverages such as Coke, fruit juice, Bubble tea, etc. Excessive intake of these artificial sugars can increase your risk of fatty liver. Other lifestyle factors that will increase the risk of fatty liver includes regular nightshift work, propensity to eat supper before bed time, lack of exercises.
Remember with the COVID pandemic, many people are now working from home (WFH), so doctors have seen greater proportion of patients who suffers from weight gain during this period - such will lead to increased risk of fatty liver
NAFLD can be hereditary IF there is a family history of type 2 diabetes. Fatty liver (NAFLD) is a condition which is closely associated with diabetes. Those with fatty liver has increased risk of developing diabetes in their lifetime. Conversely, those with diabetes are at increased risk of having fatty liver too.
Hope this information answers your question!
Fatty liver is defined as the accumulation of fat in the liver which is excessive for the normal physiological state. Fatty liver can be due to many causes - most common causes include obesity and alcohol use (usually excessive). In the setting where someone does not drink alcohol or drinks very little alcohol and has fatty liver - the doctors usually termed this as "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease" or NAFLD, in short.
Other causes includes steroid use, hormonal conditions such as hypothyroidism to name a few.
Typically NAFLD is related to increased 'fructose' intake and recent weight gain. Fructose is the common sugar ingredient we find in sugar-containing beverages such as Coke, fruit juice, Bubble tea, etc. Excessive intake of these artificial sugars can increase your risk of fatty liver. Other lifestyle factors that will increase the risk of fatty liver includes regular nightshift work, propensity to eat supper before bed time, lack of exercises.
Remember with the COVID pandemic, many people are now working from home (WFH), so doctors have seen greater proportion of patients who suffers from weight gain during this period - such will lead to increased risk of fatty liver
NAFLD can be hereditary IF there is a family history of type 2 diabetes. Fatty liver (NAFLD) is a condition which is closely associated with diabetes. Those with fatty liver has increased risk of developing diabetes in their lifetime. Conversely, those with diabetes are at increased risk of having fatty liver too.
Hope this information answers your question!
0Hi Renega
Thanks for your question.
The most common causes of fatty liver globally is obesity /overweight and excessive alcohol intake. Generally when we talk about fatty liver, we often associate it with 'fat' and being overweight.
Your doctor can do investigations like liver test to see if there is any 'inflammation'. Ultrasound scan can be done to confirm or exclude fatty liver.
Another sensitive way is to perform Fibroscan (transient elastography) which can quantify the degree of liver fat and ascertain the degree of 'liver scarring' present. Such test is available in certain Gastroenterologist clinic, you may need to call to find out if the Fibroscan is available.
Thanks for your question.
The most common causes of fatty liver globally is obesity /overweight and excessive alcohol intake. Generally when we talk about fatty liver, we often associate it with 'fat' and being overweight.
Your doctor can do investigations like liver test to see if there is any 'inflammation'. Ultrasound scan can be done to confirm or exclude fatty liver.
Another sensitive way is to perform Fibroscan (transient elastography) which can quantify the degree of liver fat and ascertain the degree of 'liver scarring' present. Such test is available in certain Gastroenterologist clinic, you may need to call to find out if the Fibroscan is available.
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It is understandable to be concern and worried if the lymph node is present for so long. First, it is important to ascertain that the swelling is due to a lymph node. An examination is needed to properly assess this lump. Please see your GP for a detail check up and treatment. If necessary, an aspiration or biopsy may be to determine the nature of the swelling and the underlying cause.
The chance of it being due to your hypothyroidism is low.
The chance of it being due to your hypothyroidism is low.
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0Continue to return to the same doctor for a follow up. You have acute sinusitis. There is a good chance you will be well if properly and adequately treated. Sometimes, you may need a longer course of antibiotics. Your smell should improve once your infection settles. If you have relapsing symptoms or persistent poor sense of smell, please discuss with your primary doctor on whether you need to see an Ear Nose Throat Specialist.
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