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Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Treatment in Johor Bahru

Penyakit Hati Berlemak (NAFLD)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver condition in Malaysia, affecting up to 30% of the general population and over 70% of people with obesity or type 2 diabetes. It occurs when excess fat accumulates in liver cells without significant alcohol consumption. NAFLD ranges from simple fatty liver (steatosis) — usually benign — to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with liver inflammation and fibrosis, which can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure. Early detection through blood tests and ultrasound, combined with lifestyle modification, can halt and reverse disease progression.

Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Often completely asymptomatic — discovered incidentally on blood tests or ultrasound
Fatigue and general malaise
Mild right upper abdominal discomfort or fullness
In advanced disease — jaundice, abdominal swelling, ankle swelling, easy bruising
Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST) on routine blood tests
Bright, echogenic liver on abdominal ultrasound

⚠️ When to See a Doctor

See a doctor for any elevated liver enzymes found on blood tests, especially in the context of obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome. All adults with these risk factors should have liver function tests and abdominal ultrasound as part of routine health screening.

Treatment at Klinik Muhibbah

At Klinik Muhibbah, Masai, our doctors assess fatty liver with liver function tests, hepatitis B and C serology (to exclude viral hepatitis), fasting lipid profile, HbA1c, and abdominal ultrasound. The cornerstone of NAFLD treatment is weight loss (even 5-10% weight loss significantly improves liver inflammation), dietary improvement, and exercise. We refer to gastroenterology for advanced fibrosis or NASH. Book at movo-x.com/kiosk/muhibbah.

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Prabagaran Kanapathy
M.D(UNPAD) OHD(NIOSH) | MMC 63651
👨‍⚕️ Dr. Kirubah Sai Patnaik
MMC 93850

Prevention Tips

1Achieve and maintain a healthy weight — lose at least 5-10% of body weight if overweight
2Follow a Mediterranean-style diet — olive oil, fish, vegetables, wholegrains, and limiting red meat and sugar
3Exercise at least 150 minutes per week — aerobic exercise and resistance training both improve NAFLD
4Avoid alcohol even in the presence of NAFLD — alcohol worsens liver inflammation
5Control diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure — metabolic syndrome accelerates NAFLD progression

Frequently Asked Questions

Can fatty liver be reversed?
Yes. Simple fatty liver (steatosis without inflammation or fibrosis) is fully reversible with lifestyle modification. Even NASH with mild fibrosis can improve significantly with 5-10% weight loss. The earlier treatment starts, the better the outcome. Cirrhosis, however, is largely irreversible.
How is fatty liver diagnosed at Klinik Muhibbah?
Our doctors arrange liver function tests and abdominal ultrasound, which typically shows a bright, echogenic liver in NAFLD. We also test for diabetes and high cholesterol which commonly accompany fatty liver. A fibroscan or liver biopsy may be arranged through specialist referral for staging. Book at movo-x.com/kiosk/muhibbah.
Is fatty liver dangerous if I feel no symptoms?
NAFLD is often silent until advanced. Simple steatosis may remain stable, but 10-20% of NAFLD patients progress to NASH and some to cirrhosis over decades. Regular monitoring, lifestyle modification, and treatment of metabolic risk factors are essential even when you feel well.

Get Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Treatment Today

No. 62, Jalan Kiambang, Taman Bunga Raya, 81700 Masai, Johor

Mon–Thu & Sat: 9AM–9PM | Fri: 9AM–3PM | Sun: 9AM–1PM | Walk-ins Welcome