Fatty Liver Disease Treatment

Often silent until it progresses, fatty liver disease affects millions of Americans. Dr. Maher uses advanced FibroScan technology to detect liver scarring early, before symptoms start.

Book Appointment Call Now

FibroScan Technology

Non-invasive liver assessment on-site

Hepatology Fellowship

Advanced liver disease training, UC-Irvine

Early Detection

Catch scarring before symptoms appear

What Is Fatty Liver Disease?

Fatty liver disease means excess fat has built up in your liver. A small amount of fat in the liver is normal. When fat makes up more than 5 to 10 percent of the liver's weight, it begins to interfere with the organ's ability to function.

This condition is now the most common form of liver disease in the United States. It affects an estimated one in three adults, and that number continues to grow alongside rising rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

A note on terminology: This condition is sometimes called NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) or by its updated name, MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease). Both terms describe the same condition. Similarly, NASH and MASH refer to the inflammatory, more advanced stage.

The Problem With a "Silent" Disease

Most people with fatty liver feel completely fine. There are no obvious symptoms in the early stages. No pain. No warning signs. That is what makes this condition dangerous.

Without detection and treatment, fatty liver can progress through a predictable pathway:

Fatty Liver

→

Inflammation(NASH / MASH)

→

Fibrosis(Scarring)

→

Cirrhosis

→

Liver Failureor Liver Cancer

The earlier fatty liver is caught, the more reversible it is. Once cirrhosis develops, the damage is permanent.

Dr. Maher's goal is to find it early.

Are You at Risk?

Fatty liver disease has no single cause. These are the most common risk factors.

Obesity or Overweight

Excess body weight is the single greatest risk factor. Fat accumulates in the liver when the body stores more than it can process.

Type 2 Diabetes or Insulin Resistance

The connection between fatty liver and metabolic conditions is strong. More than 75 percent of adults with type 2 diabetes have some degree of fatty liver disease.

High Cholesterol or Triglycerides

Abnormal lipid levels are both a cause and a consequence of fat buildup in the liver.

Hispanic Ethnicity

Research consistently shows a higher prevalence of fatty liver disease among Hispanic populations, making early screening especially important for this community in the Katy and West Houston area.

Family History of Liver Disease

If a close relative has been diagnosed with fatty liver, cirrhosis, or liver cancer, your risk is elevated.

GLP-1 Medication Use

If you are taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro for weight management, Dr. Maher can monitor your liver health as part of your overall care. Emerging research suggests these medications may also help reduce liver fat. Learn about our weight loss program →

Symptoms to Watch For

Most patients with fatty liver have no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they often include:

Persistent fatigue or low energy that does not improve with rest
A dull ache or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen
Unexplained weight changes
Mildly elevated liver enzymes on routine bloodwork

In advanced stages: Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), swelling in the legs or abdomen, and easy bruising may develop. These signs mean the liver has already sustained significant damage. Do not wait for these symptoms before seeking evaluation.

Doctor reviewing liver health with patient in Katy TX

FibroScan: A Painless Window Into Your Liver

Dr. Maher uses FibroScan technology to assess your liver without a needle.

FibroScan is a non-invasive test that uses a specialized ultrasound probe to measure two critical pieces of information about your liver:

Liver Stiffness

Measures the degree of fibrosis (scarring) present. Stiffer tissue indicates more advanced damage.

Liver Fat Content (CAP Score)

Measures how much fat has accumulated in the liver, giving Dr. Maher a precise baseline to track over time.

The test takes about 10 to 15 minutes, is completely painless, and provides results during the same visit. For most patients, FibroScan eliminates the need for a liver biopsy while giving Dr. Maher the information he needs to determine your liver's condition and build your treatment plan.

Before your appointment: You will be asked to fast for at least 3 hours before your FibroScan. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your right side.

Your Treatment Plan

A three-step process built around your liver health.

Comprehensive Evaluation

Dr. Maher begins with a thorough review of your medical history, risk factors, and bloodwork. He checks liver enzymes, metabolic markers, and rules out other causes of liver disease including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and medication-related liver injury. If indicated, he performs a FibroScan at the same visit.

Targeted Lifestyle Plan

The most effective treatment for fatty liver is targeted weight loss. Losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can significantly reduce liver fat and, in many cases, reverse fibrosis. Dr. Maher works with you to create a realistic, sustainable plan focused on nutrition, physical activity, and metabolic health.

Learn about our weight loss program →

Ongoing Monitoring

Fatty liver requires follow-up, not just a single visit. Dr. Maher uses periodic FibroScan testing and bloodwork to track your progress over time. If your liver is improving, he adjusts your plan accordingly. If it is not, he explores additional options including evaluation for emerging therapies.

Fellowship-Trained Liver Expertise

Dr. Maher is not only board-certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine. He also completed advanced fellowship training in hepatology — the study of liver disease — at the University of California-Irvine. This means your liver care is managed by a physician with specialized, advanced training in exactly this area.

He treats the full spectrum of liver conditions, from early fatty liver through cirrhosis management, and he follows your progress personally at every visit.

Board Certification

Gastroenterology & Internal Medicine

Fellowship Training

Hepatology — UC-Irvine

Diagnostic Technology

FibroScan On-Site

Personal Care

Dr. Maher at Every Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers about fatty liver disease, FibroScan testing, and what to expect from treatment.

Book an Appointment

Can fatty liver disease be reversed?

Yes, especially when caught early. The liver has a remarkable ability to heal itself. With sustained weight loss of 5 to 10 percent of body weight, many patients see a significant reduction in liver fat and even reversal of early-stage fibrosis. The key is detection before the damage becomes permanent.

What is the difference between fatty liver and NASH?

Fatty liver means excess fat is present in the liver. NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), now also called MASH, means that fat has triggered inflammation and is actively damaging liver cells. NASH/MASH is the more serious form and can progress to scarring, cirrhosis, and liver cancer if left untreated.

What is a FibroScan and does it hurt?

FibroScan is a painless, non-invasive test that measures liver stiffness and fat content using a specialized ultrasound probe. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes, requires no needles, and gives Dr. Maher results during the same visit. Most patients describe it as feeling like a gentle tapping on the skin.

Do I need a liver biopsy?

In most cases, no. FibroScan provides the information Dr. Maher needs to assess your liver without an invasive procedure. A biopsy may be recommended in rare cases where results are inconclusive or when a more detailed tissue analysis is needed.

I feel fine. Should I still be concerned about fatty liver?

Yes. Fatty liver is called a "silent" disease because it usually causes no symptoms until significant damage has occurred. If you have risk factors like obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of liver disease, screening is strongly recommended even if you feel perfectly healthy.

Is there medication for fatty liver disease?

Currently, no FDA-approved drug specifically treats fatty liver disease, although several are in late-stage clinical trials. The most effective treatment remains lifestyle modification, particularly weight loss, improved nutrition, and regular exercise. Dr. Maher stays current on emerging therapies and will discuss any new options that may apply to your situation.

Does Dr. Maher have specialized training in liver disease?

Yes. In addition to his board certifications in gastroenterology and internal medicine, Dr. Maher completed fellowship training in hepatology at the University of California-Irvine. Hepatology is the medical specialty focused specifically on diseases of the liver.

Find Out Where Your Liver Stands

You do not need symptoms to have fatty liver disease. A quick, painless FibroScan can tell you exactly where you stand. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Maher and take the guesswork out of your liver health.

Schedule an Appointment Call (346) 637-4874

Mon–Thu 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Fri 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
19255 Park Row #104, Houston, TX 77084