Fatty liver disease specialists in Perth
Fatty liver disease: Understanding the silent condition and when to see a gastroenterologist
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Level 3, Suite 302
44 Barry Marshall Parade
Murdoch WA 6150
If you’ve recently been told you have a fatty liver, or your blood tests show raised liver enzymes, you’re not alone. At Westside Gastroenterology, our fatty liver disease specialists in Perth provide expert, compassionate care to help you understand what’s happening and how to protect your liver health.
Fatty liver disease explained
What is fatty liver disease?
The liver naturally holds a small amount of fat, but when fat builds up beyond a healthy level, it can lead to fatty liver disease. This extra fat can irritate the liver, sometimes causing inflammation or even scarring in the long run. We usually talk about two main types:
- Non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): linked to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and other parts of the metabolic syndrome.
- Alcohol‑related fatty liver disease (AFLD): linked to ongoing, excessive alcohol use.
Many people feel well and don’t realise anything is wrong. It’s often picked up during a routine blood test or scan, which is usually when they’re referred to a fatty liver disease specialist.
“Fatty liver often has no symptoms for years. Early assessment and appropriate lifestyle advice may help reduce progression in some cases.”
Dr Callum Pearce
Perth Gastroenterologist
Fatty liver disease progression
Why fatty liver is becoming more common
We’re seeing more cases of fatty liver than ever, especially here in Australia. The shift toward less movement and more processed food has had an impact. Just because you don’t drink much alcohol doesn’t mean you’re not at risk, as non-alcoholic fatty liver is very common.
For some, fatty liver can turn into something more serious. Fat can trigger inflammation, which may lead to scarring and even cirrhosis later on. Taking steps early can go a long way in preventing these changes.
Dr Callum Pearce
Perth Gastroenterologist
Diagnosing fatty liver disease
What to expect at your appointment
When you visit Westside Gastroenterology in Murdoch, we’ll start with a conversation about your overall health, medical history and lifestyle. We’ll take into account common risk factors like being overweight, having high blood sugar or cholesterol, and whether liver conditions run in your family.
We might suggest a few straightforward tests to help us understand your liver better:
- Blood tests: A basic check to see how well your liver is working and whether there’s any inflammation.
- Ultrasound: A quick scan that helps us spot fat in the liver or early signs of inflammation.
- FibroScan: This is a painless, non-invasive test that shows how firm the liver is (which can hint at scarring) and how much fat it contains.
- Liver biopsy: Sometimes used when we need very detailed information about the liver tissue itself.
Dr Callum Pearce
Perth Gastroenterologist
After we’ve looked at your test results, we’ll know if it’s a simple case or something needing closer attention. Our doctors will guide you through your personalised care plan.
Managing fatty liver disease
What treatment options are available?
Treating fatty liver isn’t about a quick fix or a single medication. But the good news is the liver can recover well when it’s given the right support. The main goal is to stop more fat from building up and reduce any inflammation. That usually involves:
- Eating well: Try to include more veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins in your meals. Cutting back on sugary or processed foods helps too.
- Weight loss: even 5–10 % of body weight can make a measurable difference to liver fat and function.
- Getting moving: Whether it’s walking the dog, going for a swim, or just staying more active during the day, it all supports your liver.
- Looking after other health issues: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can all affect your liver, so keeping them in check is important.
- Drinking less alcohol: If alcohol is part of the problem, reducing or stopping can make a big difference.
Dr Callum Pearce
Perth Gastroenterologist
Risk factors and warning signs
When to see a gastroenterologist?
Consider booking an appointment if you:
- have been told your liver enzymes are elevated
- have had an ultrasound showing fatty changes in your liver
- live with diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, or metabolic syndrome
- often feel unusually tired, have discomfort in your upper belly, or notice changes in your blood tests that haven’t been explained
- want a personalised plan to support your liver health and reduce the risk of long-term problems
You might feel fine, but it’s still a good idea to get your liver checked. Spotting fatty liver early makes it easier to treat and helps prevent serious problems later on.
Living well with fatty liver
Staying on top of your liver health
Treating fatty liver isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about steady progress and simple changes that support your liver and your health overall. We’ll check in along the way to see how things are going and tweak your care when needed.
This isn’t about cutting out all your favourite foods. A gradual, realistic change in how you eat is more effective, and easier to stick with. As your liver health improves, many people find they sleep better, have more energy, and feel more balanced overall.
Dr Callum Pearce
Perth Gastroenterologist
Manage fatty liver disease
Expert care from Westside
We know that everyone’s different. At Westside Gastroenterology, it’s not just about the numbers on a test, we take time to get to know you. Whether it’s your daily routine, work, or what helps you stay on track, your care plan will be shaped around what works for you.
Our clinic is equipped with the latest diagnostic tools, including ultrasound and FibroScan, so we can carry out thorough liver assessments without needing to send you elsewhere. We stay in close contact with your GP and dietitian to keep your care on track. Since we also manage conditions like coeliac disease, IBD and IBS, we’re able to support your overall digestive health too.
Dr Callum Pearce
Perth Gastroenterologist
Local care in Murdoch
Take the first step towards better liver health
We know that coming to a gastroenterologist can feel a bit daunting. That’s why we focus on making you feel heard, involved, and cared for. At Westside Gastroenterology, we combine expert knowledge with a down-to-earth approach that puts you at ease.
- Convenient location in Murdoch, with easy access for patients from all over Perth
- A caring, experienced team that knows liver and gut health inside out
- On-site testing like FibroScan and ultrasound, no need to go elsewhere
- Team-based approach; we partner with your GP for the best outcomes
Dr Callum Pearce
Perth Gastroenterologist
If you’ve been told you have a fatty liver, or you’re worried about abnormal liver tests, reach out to us at Westside Gastroenterology in Murdoch. We’ll help you understand what’s going on, what it means, and what you can do next.
Gastroenterologist Murdoch Square
Find us at Murdoch Square
Formerly known as Wexford Gastro, we have rebranded to reflect our new address while maintaining the same exceptional care and expertise you’ve come to trust.
Level 3, Suite 302
44 Barry Marshall Parade
Murdoch WA 6150