Fatty liver disease — testing and treatment in Dubai
Also known as: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
Fatty liver disease means fat has built up inside liver cells. It is usually silent and often found through abnormal liver blood tests. Early fatty liver can improve significantly with 7–10% weight change and better control of diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure. A minority develop inflammation and scarring, which need specialist assessment.
- · Usually silent — often picked up on routine blood tests
- · Closely linked to insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes and raised triglycerides
- · Early disease can improve substantially with 7–10% weight change
- · A minority progress to inflammation and scarring (fibrosis)
- · Alcohol, medications and viral hepatitis can worsen the picture
What fatty liver disease is
Fatty liver disease (now often called MASLD) is excess fat storage in the liver, most commonly in the context of metabolic conditions. A minority develops metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which involves inflammation and can lead to fibrosis or cirrhosis over years.
How common it is
It is now the commonest cause of abnormal liver blood tests worldwide. It is very common in adults with overweight, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, all of which are prevalent in the UAE.
Main symptoms
- · Usually no symptoms
- · Some people notice dull discomfort under the right ribs
Less common symptoms
- · Fatigue
- · Nausea
Causes
- · Insulin resistance and obesity
- · Type 2 diabetes
- · Raised triglycerides
- · Alcohol use (can coexist)
- · Certain medications
- · Rapid weight loss (paradoxically)
Risk factors
- · Overweight and central obesity
- · Diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- · PCOS
- · Family history
- · Alcohol
- · Some medications
Possible complications
- · Progression to steatohepatitis (MASH)
- · Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis
- · Higher cardiovascular risk
- · Increased risk of liver cancer in advanced disease
How this condition is diagnosed
- · Abnormal liver blood tests (particularly ALT and GGT)
- · Ultrasound showing fatty liver, ordered where clinically indicated
- · Non-invasive fibrosis scores (e.g. FIB-4) to assess scarring risk
- · Specialist assessment for elastography (FibroScan) when needed
Questions your doctor may ask
- · Any weight change?
- · Alcohol intake?
- · Family history of liver disease?
- · Any medicines including over-the-counter and supplements?
- · Any known metabolic conditions?
Examination
- · Weight, height and waist circumference
- · Blood pressure
- · Abdominal examination for tenderness and organ enlargement
- · Skin examination for signs of liver disease
Blood tests
- · ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, bilirubin
- · Albumin and platelets (for fibrosis scoring)
- · HbA1c, fasting glucose
- · Full lipid profile
- · Ferritin and iron studies
- · Viral hepatitis screen where indicated
Imaging
- · Ultrasound of the liver where indicated
- · FibroScan for fibrosis assessment (specialist)
When specialist referral may be needed
- · High FIB-4 or other fibrosis score
- · Persistently very abnormal liver tests despite lifestyle change
- · Suspected viral or autoimmune liver disease
Treatment
Overview
- · Sustained 7–10% weight change where indicated
- · Mediterranean-style diet with reduced refined carbohydrate
- · Regular physical activity, including resistance training
- · Control of diabetes, blood pressure and lipids
- · Reduce or stop alcohol
- · Review medications that may affect the liver
Medicines
- · There is no single specific medicine for uncomplicated fatty liver in most patients
- · Treatment of diabetes and cholesterol often improves liver enzymes
- · Newer medicines are emerging under specialist care
Do not stop or change any prescribed medicine without first discussing it with your clinician.
Lifestyle support
- · Structured dietary change
- · Regular activity
- · Weight management where indicated
- · Alcohol reduction
Monitoring and follow-up
- · Repeat liver blood tests every 6–12 months
- · Re-check fibrosis score periodically
- · Screen for and treat cardiovascular risk
Prevention and risk reduction
- · Address weight, diet, activity and metabolic risk factors early
When to seek urgent help
- · Jaundice (yellow eyes or skin)
- · Severe abdominal pain with fever
- · Confusion in known liver disease — attend A&E
Dubai emergency services: 998. Attend the nearest emergency department for red flags.
How Aafiyah can help
Your options
- · Full liver and metabolic blood testing
- · Non-invasive fibrosis scoring
- · Structured weight and metabolic plans
- · Coordinated referral to gastroenterology where indicated
When a GP appointment is right
- · Abnormal liver blood test
- · Metabolic risk factors and no recent liver review
When a home doctor visit may suit
- · Home nurse-led blood testing followed by GP review is often appropriate
Related pages
Related symptoms
Related tests
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
Is fatty liver dangerous?+
Most fatty liver is manageable, especially when caught early. A minority progresses to inflammation and scarring, which is why proper monitoring matters.
Can I still drink alcohol?+
Alcohol worsens liver stress. Reducing or stopping is one of the most useful things you can do, particularly if liver enzymes are raised.
References
- · AASLD Practice Guidance on NAFLD/MASLD
- · EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines — Metabolic Liver Disease
- · NICE guideline NG49: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Medically reviewed by Dr Shahbaz Afzal, MBBS MRCGP — British-trained Family Medicine Consultant, Aafiyah Care Clinic.
Reviewed 2026-07-01. Next review due 2027-01-01.
This page is general information for adults living in or visiting Dubai. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a personal medical consultation. Do not stop or change prescribed treatment without medical advice.
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