Expert Fatty Liver Care in Somerset County, NJ
At Digestive Healthcare Center, our gastroenterologists provide advanced diagnosis and treatment for fatty liver disease using FibroScan® technology. With convenient locations in Hillsborough, Somerville, and Warren, NJ, plus telemedicine options, we make expert liver care accessible and personalized. Request a consultation or book an appointment today to take control of your liver health.
What is Fatty Liver Disease?
Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat builds up within the liver cells, interfering with the liver’s ability to function properly. While it’s normal for the liver to contain a small amount of fat, when fat makes up more than 5–10% of the liver’s weight, the condition is known as fatty liver (hepatic steatosis). This buildup can lead to inflammation, scarring, and long-term liver damage if not properly managed.
Although excessive alcohol consumption is a known cause of alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD), many people develop fatty liver disease without drinking heavily. This form, known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is increasingly common in both adults and children, mainly due to rising rates of obesity, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. The more advanced and severe stage of NAFLD is called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)—a condition in which fat buildup is accompanied by inflammation and liver cell injury. Left untreated, NASH can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, or even liver cancer.
At Digestive Healthcare Center, our experienced fatty liver specialists in Somerset County provide advanced evaluation and personalized treatment for fatty liver disease in NJ. Using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, such as FibroScan®, our team can assess the extent of liver scarring and develop a care plan tailored to each patient’s needs.
Because fatty liver disease is closely linked to metabolic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, early detection and intervention are key. If you are at risk or have been diagnosed with fatty liver disease, our doctors in Hillsborough, NJ, and liver disease specialists in Warren, NJ, are here to help. We offer comprehensive management for both nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and NASH treatment in NJ, empowering patients to protect their liver health and improve their overall well-being.
If you’re searching for a fatty liver clinic near you or would like to schedule a fatty liver scan in NJ, contact Digestive Healthcare Center today to book an appointment and begin your path to better health.
Causes of NAFLD and NASH
While some people may develop NAFLD or NASH without a clearly identifiable cause, several well-known factors significantly increase the risk of these conditions. Fatty liver disease is often part of a broader metabolic imbalance, and understanding the underlying causes can help guide both prevention and treatment.
Common causes and risk factors include:
- Overweight/obesity
- Diabetes/prediabetes
- High levels of fats in the blood (e.g., cholesterol, triglycerides)
- High blood pressure
- Metabolic disorders
- Insulin resistance
- Rapid weight loss
- Poor eating habits
- Hepatitis C
- Medications (e.g., corticosteroids, antidepressant/antipsychotics, tamoxifen, methotrexate)
Because many of these risk factors are related to lifestyle and metabolic health, early screening and guidance from a fatty liver specialist in Somerset County or a gastroenterologist for fatty liver in NJ can help prevent disease progression and support long-term liver wellness.
In most cases, fatty liver disease develops silently. It is often asymptomatic, meaning people may not experience any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Many individuals learn they have fatty liver disease only after routine blood tests show abnormal liver enzyme levels or through imaging studies performed for another reason.
Even nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)—the more serious form of fatty liver disease—can remain undetected for years as the liver becomes progressively inflamed and scarred. Because of this, regular screenings and consultations with a fatty liver specialist in Somerset County or a gastroenterologist in NJ are crucial for early detection and treatment.
When symptoms do appear, they may vary depending on the severity of the disease and the extent of liver damage.
Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Poor appetite
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Edema (fluid build-up) in the legs and abdomen
- Confusion
Because these symptoms can be subtle or resemble those of other conditions, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation if you are at risk. A timely diagnosis from Digestive Healthcare Center can help prevent complications such as cirrhosis or liver failure.
How is Fatty Liver Disease Diagnosed?
At Digestive Healthcare Center, we are proud to provide patients access to the revolutionary FibroScan® machine. This advanced, noninvasive technology plays a crucial role in diagnosing nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and other forms of liver disease. This state-of-the-art device measures the stiffness (or elasticity) of the liver, offering a fast, accurate, and painless way to assess liver health.
Unlike traditional diagnostic methods such as liver biopsy—which can be invasive and uncomfortable—FibroScan uses ultrasound-based technology to evaluate the liver’s condition in just a few minutes, with no downtime or recovery period. The test provides detailed information about the degree of liver fibrosis (scarring) and fat accumulation, allowing our fatty liver specialists in Somerset County to determine the stage of disease and recommend the most effective treatment plan.
Studies have shown that FibroScan testing is a highly reliable tool for detecting fatty liver disease and monitoring its progression over time. Because it evaluates the elasticity of the entire liver, rather than a small tissue sample, it gives a more comprehensive picture of liver health.
How is Fatty Liver Disease Treated in NJ?
The first line of treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) typically focuses on weight loss through a combination of healthy eating and regular exercise. Reducing excess body weight helps address many of the underlying factors that contribute to liver fat buildup. Ideally, losing about 10% of total body weight is recommended, though even a modest reduction of 3–5% can lead to meaningful improvements in liver health and related risk factors. For individuals who need to lose a significant amount of weight, weight-loss surgery may be considered as an effective option.
Managing associated conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure is also essential for slowing disease progression. In some cases, specific medications may offer additional benefits for improving liver function and reducing inflammation. One of our experienced fatty liver specialists can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on your overall health and the stage of your disease.
To protect against further liver injury, your healthcare provider may recommend vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, as these infections can worsen existing liver damage. In advanced cases where nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has led to cirrhosis, a liver transplant may be necessary. Fortunately, transplant outcomes for patients with NASH are generally very positive, offering renewed health and quality of life for those affected by severe liver disease.
Why Choose Digestive Healthcare Center?
At Digestive Healthcare Center, our experienced gastroenterologists provide expert care for fatty liver disease and other digestive conditions. With locations in Hillsborough, Somerville, and Warren, NJ, plus telemedicine options, getting care close to home is easy.
We use advanced technology like FibroScan® for fast, accurate, noninvasive liver assessments, and we accept most major insurance plans, making quality care accessible and convenient.
Digestive Health Care and Fatty Liver Treatment in New Jersey
At Digestive Healthcare Center, we are proud to offer innovative, advanced testing methods for diagnosing fatty liver disease. If this condition is detected, our experienced team will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan and guide you through the lifestyle changes needed to improve your liver health and overall well-being.
We are dedicated to providing comprehensive digestive care throughout Somerset County, offering expert evaluation and treatment for a full range of gastrointestinal conditions. If you are experiencing symptoms of fatty liver disease—or are at risk—contact Digestive Healthcare Center today to request an appointment with one of our expert gastroenterologists and take the first step toward a healthier future.
Schedule Your Fatty Liver Evaluation Today
Protect your liver health with expert care from Digestive Healthcare Center. Using advanced FibroScan® technology, our gastroenterologists provide accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment. Contact us to schedule your fatty liver disease evaluation in Somerset County now.