It happens when fat starts accumulating in the liver due to metabolic and lifestyle reasons — not alcohol. If untreated, it can slowly progress to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer in some people.

As a Liver Transplant & HPB Surgeon, I see this every day in clinic. The good news? Most patients can reverse fatty liver completely with early changes.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) is now one of the most common liver problems in India. Learn causes, symptoms, risks, tests, and treatment options explained in simple language by Dr. Srinivas Bojanapu, Hepatologist & Liver Transplant Surgeon in Yelahanka & Electronic City, Bengaluru.

3. What Is NAFLD?

NAFLD means your liver contains more than 5% fat, even though you do not consume alcohol regularly.

There are two stages:

1. Simple Fatty Liver (NAFL):
   Fat in the liver, no major damage yet.

2. Fatty Liver with Inflammation (NASH):
   Fat + liver cell injury → higher risk of fibrosis & cirrhosis.

Dr. Srinivas Bojanapu uses a systematic approach to interpret LFTs and identify whether the issue is related to fatty liver, bile ducts, viral hepatitis, or another cause.

Further Tests Your Doctor May Suggest

Not everyone needs more tests.
If needed, they may include:

• Ultrasound abdomen — first-line screening

• FibroScan — to check liver stiffness and fat

• Viral hepatitis tests

• Sugar and cholesterol tests

• MRI/CT (only if required)

• Endoscopic tests like MRCP/ERCP (for suspected bile duct problems)

Your doctor will decide which tests are truly necessary based on your condition.

When to Consult Hepatologist

Contact a specialist urgently if you notice:

• Yellow eyes

• Severe abdominal pain

• Persistent vomiting

• Drowsiness or confusion

• Dark urine or pale stools

These may need immediate attention.

Important Note

LFT values should not be interpreted or treated at home.
Numbers alone cannot diagnose the condition, and starting or stopping medications without guidance can be unsafe.

A consultation with the best liver specialist in Yelahanka, Electronic city. ensures correct diagnosis and timely treatment.
For patients in Yelahanka and Electronic City, Dr. Srinivas Bojanapu provides comprehensive evaluation and guidance for abnormal LFTs.

Why LFTs Become Abnormal

Some common, everyday reasons include:

• Fatty liver (very common in people with diabetes or high cholesterol)

• Alcohol consumption

• Viral infections

• Reaction to medicines or herbal supplements

• Gallbladder or bile duct issues

Abnormal values rarely explain the exact cause on their own.
A proper evaluation is always required.

What to Expect When You Visit a Liver Specialist

A liver doctor will look at:

• Your symptoms

• Your medical history

• The pattern of LFT changes

• Your ultrasound or other reports