![Logo Lockup [placeholder]](https://deepakkejariwal.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Logo-lockup-placeholder.png){kind=logo}
Concerned about symptoms?
Most patients are seen within one to two weeks at Cobalt Hospital.
Secretary
RELATED
Liver Function Test
Liver Disease
Jaundice
Second Opinion Gastroenterology
TRUSTED INFORMATION
National health information service, liver disease guidance.
What is fatty liver disease?
A build-up of fat in the liver, often linked to weight and metabolic health. Usually reversible with early diagnosis and lifestyle change.
Fatty liver disease in Newcastle is increasingly diagnosed during routine blood testing. It is a build-up of excess fat within the liver, most commonly linked to being overweight, type 2 diabetes, or metabolic syndrome, and it is now one of the most common liver conditions in the UK.
Patients across Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham, North Tyneside, Gateshead and Sunderland see Dr Kejariwal for fatty liver assessment given his specialist interest in liver disease, ensuring the underlying cause is properly identified and an appropriate monitoring plan put in place.
Causes and risk factors
Fatty liver disease is most closely linked to being overweight or obese, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome (NHS inform, 2026). It can also occur in people who are not overweight, and genetic factors are thought to play a role in who develops more severe forms of the disease.
Symptoms
- Often no symptoms in the early stages
- Fatigue
- Mild discomfort in the upper right abdomen
- In advanced stages, jaundice or swelling in the legs and abdomen
When to seek help: Yellowing of the skin or eyes, persistent fatigue, or swelling in the abdomen or legs should be assessed promptly, as these can indicate more advanced liver damage.
How it is diagnosed
Fatty liver disease is often first picked up on a routine liver function test, with further assessment such as ultrasound or fibroscan used to determine the stage and severity of the condition (NHS inform, 2026).
Treatment options
Treatment centres on lifestyle changes, including weight loss, improved diet and increased physical activity, alongside management of related conditions such as diabetes. Fatty liver disease is often reversible in its earlier stages, though no specific outcome can be guaranteed, and Dr Kejariwal will advise a personalised monitoring plan.
Living with fatty liver disease in 2026
Fatty liver disease is now thought to affect around one in five adults in the UK, making it the most common liver condition nationally. It typically causes no symptoms in its early stages, which is why routine blood tests and awareness of risk factors, particularly for those with diabetes or obesity, remain important for early detection.
Self-care and prevention
Maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol intake, eating a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables and wholegrains, and staying physically active are the most effective ways to protect liver health. Managing related conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol also helps slow disease progression.
What to expect at your appointment
Your first consultation with Dr Kejariwal at Cobalt Hospital typically lasts long enough to cover your full history, current symptoms, and any previous tests or treatment in detail, without feeling rushed. He will explain what he thinks is happening in plain English, talk through the realistic options available, and agree a clear next step with you, whether that is further testing, starting treatment, or simply a period of monitoring. A written summary is sent to you and, where appropriate, your GP after every appointment, so nothing gets lost between visits. Most patients are offered an appointment within one to two weeks of getting in touch, and urgent concerns are prioritised accordingly.
When to see a specialist
See a specialist if you have persistently abnormal liver blood tests, risk factors such as obesity or diabetes, or any symptoms of more advanced liver disease.
Frequently asked questions about fatty liver disease
Can fatty liver disease be reversed?
In its earlier stages, fatty liver disease can often improve significantly with weight loss and lifestyle changes, though more advanced scarring may be permanent.
Does fatty liver disease always cause symptoms?
No, most people with fatty liver disease have no symptoms in the early stages, which is why it is often found incidentally during routine blood tests.
What is the difference between fatty liver disease and NASH?
Simple fatty liver disease involves fat build-up without significant inflammation, while non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) involves inflammation and liver cell damage, and carries a higher risk of progressing to scarring (fibrosis) or cirrhosis.
Is fatty liver disease linked to type 2 diabetes?
Yes, there is a strong association between fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes, and managing blood sugar levels well can help slow the progression of liver damage.