The treatment of fatty liver and NASH depends on the cause. Patients who are overweight or obese can usually normalize their elevated liver enzymes, decrease some of the liver enlargement and the amount of fat in the liver through weight reduction. If weight reduction is done early on after diagnosis, scarring and cirrhosis of the liver can possibly be prevented altogether. Keep in mind that weight loss must be achieved slowly through a doctor's recommended plan of diet and exercise. Weight loss should not be accomplished through quick or fad dieting, as this can actually exacerbate disease progression. Also, weight loss must be maintained or the disease may come back.
If cirrhosis is not already present and it was determined that the fatty liver or NASH was caused by medication or a toxin, if one discontinues exposure to these causes the condition, generally, can be reversed.
For Type 2 diabetics who have developed fatty liver or NASH, controlling sugar levels is important but will generally not improve liver abnormalities – for those that are overweight, weight reduction is the only effective option.
For those people who are not overweight, there is no specific treatment for fatty liver or NASH. There are medications that are being evaluated for this group. Speak with your doctor about this. Some alterations in diet, such as correcting protein deficiencies and avoiding carbohydrate and excess fat, could be effective.
For those with NASH who have developed cirrhosis, they should be evaluated for possible liver transplant.
This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used in any other manner. This information is not intended to substitute for informed medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider.