Today I found out that I have fatty liver disease - most likely nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).   It is common, and for most people, causes no symptoms or complications. But in some people the fat that accumulates can cause inflammation and scarring in the liver. This more serious form is referred to as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). At its most severe, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease can progress to liver failure. Not a good thing.

Certain things do tend to increase the risk.  These include:

Being middle-aged.  (Yep, I'm there)
Being overweight or obese (I saw the scale in the doctor's office.  Fit that too.)
Having high cholesterol (How long have I been on that medication now?)
Having diabetes or prediabetes (insulin resistant).  (So my sugars have been slightly elevated for the past few years...)

Sigh. 

For the last few weeks I have had some discomfort in the upper right part of my abdomen - not pain, just some discomfort.  I didn't think anything of it, and merrily went to my 6 month check up.  Since I started on the cholesterol medication, my blood has been tested every 6 months.  This time, there were elevations in both liver enzymes:  alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).  The doctor ordered an abdominal ultrasound and bingo - it showed up on the imaging test. 

The doctor's instructions right now are to lose weight and begin an exercise program.  Research indicates that a weight loss of 9% over a period of months can help reverse NASH, and even a 5% weight loss can help lessen the buildup of the fat.  Unless I want to now, he is willing to hold off on prescribing other medications until my next check up in December.  But I have to get serious about my diet and lifestyle.  Weight must come off, sugar levels must improve - and I have to "move that body." 

I am starting this blog to hold myself accountable.  Feel free to follow along - or use it as a source of inspiration for your own healthy lifestyle habits.   I would like to say that I just decided to get healthy, but even slightly elevated fasting sugar levels and "the talk" from the doctor for the last few years was not enough.  Liver transplant is.  Don't want to go there.  Let's begin.