Questions to Ask if You Have Fatty Liver Disease

When it comes to your health, the best step you can take is to stay actively engaged in your healthcare journey. Rather than being a passive patient, you should view yourself as a key member of your care team. This means:

Visiting your healthcare provider regularly.
Undergoing routine screenings and imaging as needed.
Asking questions and learning more about your health at every appointment.

For individuals living with fatty liver disease, being proactive is especially important. Fatty liver disease can progress silently for years before symptoms become noticeable, which makes communication with your doctor critical in catching problems early and slowing disease progression.

One of the best ways to advocate for yourself is to come prepared with questions. Below are essential questions to ask your doctor if you’ve been diagnosed with fatty liver disease—along with explanations of why these questions matter.

1. What Testing or Imaging Do You Plan on Doing?

Diagnosis and monitoring of fatty liver disease often require imaging studies such as ultrasounds, MRIs, or specialized liver scans. Asking this question ensures you understand the tests being ordered and why they’re necessary.

Some tests identify fat buildup in the liver.
Others, like elastography or FibroScan, assess stiffness of the liver tissue, which can indicate fibrosis (scarring).
Routine blood tests may also be ordered to track liver enzymes and overall function.

Knowing what each test does helps you follow your progress and detect changes early.

2. Is There Fibrosis, and If So, What Kind and How Much?

Fibrosis refers to the scarring of the liver caused by ongoing inflammation and damage. Over time, fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis, which significantly affects liver function and increases the risk of complications.

Understanding whether fibrosis is present—and its stage—helps both you and your doctor determine the severity of your condition and the urgency of treatment.

3. What Else Does My Blood Work Show?

Blood work provides a window into overall health. While liver enzyme levels are important, your doctor may also test for:

Cholesterol and triglycerides, which are often elevated in fatty liver disease.
Blood sugar levels, since fatty liver is strongly linked to insulin resistance and diabetes.
Markers of inflammation, which can signal worsening liver injury.

Asking this question ensures you have a complete picture of your health, not just your liver function.

4. Can I Get Additional Procedures to Check for Complications?

Certain complications of fatty liver disease may require specialized procedures to detect. Consider asking about:

EGD (upper endoscopy): This checks for esophageal varices, which are enlarged veins that can develop due to increased pressure in the liver (portal hypertension).
Venogram: Used to evaluate blood flow in the liver and check for portal hypertension.
Elastography or FibroScan: Non-invasive imaging that measures liver stiffness and the degree of fibrosis.

These tests are not always ordered right away, but asking about them helps ensure your care plan is thorough.

5. Is There a Way to Slow or Stop My Liver Damage?

While fatty liver disease can’t always be reversed, many patients can slow or halt its progression through treatment and lifestyle changes. This question opens a conversation about evidence-based strategies that work best for your specific situation.

Common approaches include:

Weight management through diet and exercise.
Blood sugar control if you have diabetes or insulin resistance.
Medication adjustments if any current prescriptions affect liver health.

6. What Are My Treatment Options?

Fatty liver disease treatment depends on its severity and underlying causes. Your doctor may recommend:

Lifestyle changes (nutrition, exercise, weight loss).
Medications for related conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.
Clinical trials exploring new therapies.

By asking this, you ensure you understand every option available and can participate in decisions about your care.

7. What Will Be the Consequences if Left Untreated?

It’s important to know the potential outcomes of not addressing fatty liver disease. Left untreated, fatty liver can progress to:

Fibrosis (scarring).
Cirrhosis (severe scarring that affects function).
Liver failure.
Liver cancer (in some advanced cases).

Hearing the risks directly from your doctor can emphasize the importance of making changes now, rather than later.

8. Should I Be Following a Nutrition Plan?

Diet plays a major role in managing fatty liver disease. Ask your doctor about a nutrition plan tailored to your needs. This might include:

A Mediterranean-style diet, rich in vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
Limiting added sugars and refined carbohydrates, which worsen fat buildup in the liver.
Reducing or eliminating alcohol, which accelerates liver damage.

You may also ask about natural or holistic treatments. While not all have proven success, some lifestyle-based strategies—such as increased physical activity, mindful eating, and weight loss—are well-documented in improving liver health.

9. What Lifestyle Changes Will I Need to Make?

Lifestyle changes are often the most powerful treatment tool for fatty liver disease. This can include:

Regular exercise (at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly).
Weight loss goals, ideally losing 7–10% of body weight to reduce fat buildup in the liver.
Better sleep habits and stress reduction.

Knowing exactly what changes to prioritize can help you set realistic goals.

10. Are There Medications or Supplements That Could Hurt My Liver?

Some medications and supplements can worsen liver problems. For example:

Certain pain relievers (like acetaminophen in high doses).
Some herbal supplements, including kava, comfrey, and others linked to liver toxicity.
Medications for other conditions that may stress the liver.

Asking this ensures your doctor reviews everything you’re currently taking—including over-the-counter supplements—to prevent additional harm.

Final Thoughts

Living with fatty liver disease requires active participation in your healthcare. By asking informed questions, you not only gain a better understanding of your condition but also help your doctor tailor a plan that meets your needs.

Questions about testing, fibrosis, treatment options, lifestyle changes, and medication safety can guide the conversation and empower you to take control of your health.

Remember: the earlier fatty liver disease is managed, the greater the chance of slowing or even stopping its progression. Stay engaged, stay informed, and work closely with your healthcare team to protect your liver and overall health.

By Derrick Lane | Published August 23, 2025