Fatty liver disease
About this page
- Last updated
- Author Melanie Woodnick
About the service
Our fatty liver disease (steatotic liver disease) team, based at the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital provides specialist, comprehensive care for patients with MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic (fatty) liver disease), previously known as NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). This incorporates a full diagnostic service, including blood tests and an on-site FibroScan® which is a painless ultrasound-based test that provides instant results on liver fat and scarring. This allows us to identify fibrosis early and tailor a personalised management plan from your very first visit.
Why choose us?
Our team are internationally recognised clinical hepatologists, based at Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, leading one of the largest fatty liver disease services in the UK, caring for more than 2,000 NHS patients with this disease each year.
We’re at the forefront of research in this area, enabling us to offer expert guidance on the latest treatments and medications. As a result, you may benefit from early access to innovative therapies as they become available.
Research and innovation
Collectively our team have authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as The Lancet, Nature Medicine, and Journal of Hepatology. They serve on major national and international committees, including the NICE MASLD Guideline Committee, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) MASLD Special Interest Group, and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL).
As leaders in clinical research, the team run multiple UK and international clinical trials in fatty liver disease and metabolic viral liver disease. They are also co-Directors of the first WHO Collaborating Centre for Steatotic Liver Diseases, shaping global policy, education and research in fatty liver disease and MetALD (metabolic dysfunction and alcohol-associated liver disease).
Patients seen at the Lindo Wing may be offered access to new fatty liver disease treatments. Our team is here to help with expert assessment, personalised advice and access to the latest treatments.
Frequently asked questions
What is fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease is a common liver condition where excess fat builds up in the liver. This can lead to inflammation (hepatitis) and, if left untreated, more serious liver problems. Fatty liver disease is also known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is now the most common liver condition in the UK, one in three people have some degree of fat in their liver, often without knowing it.
Who is at risk of fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease is strongly linked to obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Approximately 60-70% of individuals with type 2 diabetes and 70-80% of those with obesity have fatty liver disease. It can also occur with high blood pressure, or abnormal cholesterol and triglycerides.
Lifestyle factors can increase your risk, for example a high calorie diet and lack of exercise can contribute to fat build up. Those over 50 are also at a greater risk.
Why are prevention and early diagnosis important?
It’s important to know that early changes can keep you safe. Healthy lifestyle changes can greatly improve fatty liver disease. Losing weight, eating well, and exercising can reduce liver fat and even reverse early fatty liver disease.
If someone with fatty liver disease also drinks alcohol regularly, beyond recommended limits, it will greatly increase the risk of liver damage. This is known as metabolic and alcohol-related liver disease (MetALD). Keeping alcohol intake to NHS guidelines (no more than 14 units/week) is recommended.
Regular medical check-ups are key. Identifying fatty liver early means we can manage it before it causes scarring.
Without treatment, fatty liver disease can progress to more severe liver disease. Early diagnosis and management are key to preventing complications and keeping your liver healthy.
Specialists offering fatty liver disease treatment
At Imperial College Healthcare Private Care our team are on hand to help with expert assessment, personalised advice and access to the latest treatments.:
Dr Pinelopi Manousou
Dr Benjamin Mullish
Dr Luke Tyson
Find out more about fatty liver disease
If you have any questions about fatty liver disease or would like to schedule a consultation to find out more, please contact us:
Call: +44 (0) 20 3311 7700
Email: imperial.private.healthcare@nhs.net
Most major insurance companies cover the cost of treatment.
Contact us today to find out more.